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Rockland Community College Names Key Leadership Appointments
Rockland Community College (RCC) has opened the 2025–26 academic year under the leadership of its ninth president, Dr. William P. Mullaney, who officially began his tenure in June. As he embarks on his first semester at the helm, Mullaney is advancing a strategic agenda focused on three core priorities: stabilizing the college’s finances, strengthening its workforce, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
As part of these priorities, RCC has named two key leadership appointments: Jonathan Batista as chief financial officer and Dr. Melanie Rie as associate provost.
Batista joins RCC with more than 15 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit finance, most recently serving as executive director of finance for auxiliary enterprises at Queens College, CUNY.
His career has included roles at the Queens Educational Opportunity Center (SUNY), Rutgers University Medical School, City College of New York and JPMorgan Chase. He earned an MBA in accounting and finance from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business and dual bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.
Rie, a member of the RCC community since 2002, has served as faculty member, Faculty Senate chair and dean of the School of STEM. She holds a Ph.D. and bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University. In her new role as associate provost, she will lead academic strategy and initiatives designed to enhance student outcomes and further strengthen RCC’s academic excellence.
At its Sept. 29 meeting, the RCC Board of Trustees confirmed several leadership appointments, removing the interim designations of four administrators. Sara Annunziato was appointed dean of the School of Nursing, Health and Wellness; Patricia Maloney-Titland was named dean of the School of Arts, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences; Kristopher Baker was named dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and Christina Merriweather was appointed executive director of student engagement and college life.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the ninth president of Rockland Community College, an institution with a strong legacy of excellence,” said Mullaney. “Stabilizing our finances, workforce and culture is essential to our future. These leadership appointments represent important steps in ensuring RCC remains a place where students, faculty and staff can thrive.”
Rockland Community College Signs Transfer Agreement with Missouri Southern State University
Rockland Community College has signed a transfer agreement with Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, creating new pathways for students in environmental science and natural and physical sciences.
The memorandum of understanding, signed Aug. 18, allows qualified RCC graduates to transfer into MSSU’s Environmental Health and Safety program. Graduates with an associate degree and a minimum 2.0 GPA will be guaranteed admission upon submission of their official transcripts.
“By collaborating with Missouri Southern State University, Rockland Community College is creating new opportunities for students to advance their studies in environmental health and safety, a field with significant career potential,” Dr. William P. Mullaney, RCC President said. “This agreement underscores our commitment to providing clear, flexible pathways that support our graduates’ academic and professional success.”
The MSSU program, founded in 1972, is one of only 25 in the nation accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. It is also the only EHAC-accredited program to offer a fully online degree-completion option. Graduates earn the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation, enhancing their credentials in the job market.
“Our traditional and online tracks create a seamless transition for RCC students,” said Dr. Teresa Boman, director of the EHS program at MSSU. “Students who can’t relocate to Joplin still have the opportunity to earn a degree in this high-demand field.”
RCC students who transfer will also have access to MSSU academic support, including free tutoring, writing centers, advising and career services such as résumé assistance and job search support.
“This partnership, with an initial focus on environmental health and safety, ensures that students can continue their education without interruption,” MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen said. “We look forward to welcoming RCC students into the Lion community.”
Rockland Community Foundation and Optimum Announce Recipients of Innovative Teaching Grant Program
Made possible by Optimum’s $15,000 donation through the nonprofit DonorsChoose, the program – administered by the Rockland Community Foundation – celebrates and supports educators who aim to create engaging, creative, and innovative learning experiences in their classrooms.
More than 20 local educators are receiving dynamic, hands-on teaching tools to support innovative learning experiences for students this school year.
Grant recipients include:
- Christiana Amendola from Clarkstown Central School District (New City): The grant will help develop and provide Assistive Technology Packs for students who are in language learning or special education programs. The packs will make it easier for students to access and use assistive technology within their daily classroom activities, ensuring that all learners can participate fully in their education.
- Colleen Dinnegan from Strawtown Elementary School (West Nyack): The funds will be allocated to purchase new, high-quality cameras for third grade students to participate in the One World Global Connections program. This initiative pairs local classes with classrooms in China or Brazil, enabling students to engage in video sessions to interview their peers abroad, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.
- Danielle A. Ruiz-Dunlavey from Richard P Connor Elementary School in (Suffern): The grant will support a chick-hatching project in all Kindergarten classrooms at the school, providing hands-on STEM and language learning experiences for all students – including English learners – through activities such as observing the chicken life cycle, using technology, and engaging with bilingual resources.
Additional grant recipients are educators from Cherry Lane Elementary School in Airmont, North Rockland High School in Thiells, South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt, Suffern High School in Suffern, El Dorado Elementary School in Chestnut Ridge, and more.
“At Optimum, we believe that investing in our educators is investing in the future of our communities,” said Elton Hart, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Tri-State. “We are proud to partner with the Rockland Community Foundation to support teachers who consistently bring creativity and innovation into the classroom. By providing these grants, we’re helping ensure that students across Rockland County have access to the tools and experiences that inspire learning and unlock potential.”
Spring Valley Branch of NAACP To Hold 70th Freedom Fund Membership Celebration
The Spring Valley Branch of the NAACP will hold its 70th Freedom Fund membership celebration at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern, NY, on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon and conclude at 4pm.
This year’s theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” The 2025 honorees were chosen based on their tireless work towards promoting social justice and serving as role models for the betterment of mankind.
The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Betty A Rosa, the New York State Commissioner of Education will be the guest speaker. Dr. Rosa is also the President of the University of the State of New York. Dr. Rosa was appointed as permanent Commissioner on February 8, 2021, by the Board of Regents. She is the first Latina woman to serve in the position.
2025 honorees include:
- June Van Dunk, (Unsung hero award)
- Projector Faro (Social Justice Leadership Award),
- Bill Batson (Virginia Atkins Beasley Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Rev Theresa Daren and the Upper Room House of Worship – the (Humanitarian Award)
- The Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center (community service award)
NAACP has been at the forefront of the civil rights movement. The Spring Valley Branch has a rich history of fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.
The Spring Valley Branch NAACP received its charter on June 25, 1951 and for over 60 years, the Spring Valley Branch NAACP has devoted its energy to ensure the Civil Rights of all members of community are upheld because equality is not a privilege; it’s a right
The branch has been led by Willie J Trotman since 2004. Mr Trotman has brought numerous successful lawsuits in the area of housing, education equity and voting rights.
Tickets are $130 and can be purchased by calling (845) 363-6227 or at https://tinyurl.com/freedomfundevent
