College Mourns Death of Former President Orinthia Montague

Orinthia Montague, former president of Tompkins Cortland Community College, has passed away. Montague was the fourth president of TC3, serving from 2017 through 2021. She stepped down to become the president of Volunteer State Community College in Tennessee, a position she still held at the time of her passing. 

In a statement announcing the death to the TC3 community, President Amy Kremenek directed the College flag to be lowered in honor of Montague’s service. 

“Dr. Montague had a tremendous impact on our college, serving at a time of great transition and challenge including throughout much of the Covid pandemic. It is evident that her commitment to students and their success was paramount throughout her tenure at TC3. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family, friends, and colleagues at this time of tremendous loss.” 

About Orinthia T. Montague 

Orinthia T. Montague, Ph.D., became the fourth president of Tompkins Cortland Community College on July 5, 2017. She was appointed to the position by the Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees and approved by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.

President Montague came to Tompkins Cortland from Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, where she was the vice president of student affairs and chief diversity officer. Prior to serving as vice president, Montague was the dean of students at Normandale, and also had been associate vice provost and dean of students at University of Missouri-St. Louis. She left Tompkins Cortland to become president of Volunteer State Community College in Tennessee.

Montague was born in Jamaica. She received a Bachelor of Arts in interpersonal communication from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri; a Master of Arts in counseling from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri; and a Doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.