New president appointed at Rockland Community College

Rockland Community College has named Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres RÃ¡palo as its eighth president. He succeeds Dr. Michael Baston, who stepped down in 2022.

Prior to joining the Suffern-based school, RÃ¡palo was the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Bronx Community College, City University of New York. He is a National Community College Hispanic Council fellow and board member and the author of several textbooks. RÃ¡palo was born in Honduras and speaks Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

“Dr. RÃ¡palo is an ideal fit for Rockland Community College,” said Martin Wortendyke, chair of the board of trustees. “We believe he will chart an exciting course that will take RCC into the future. His strong academic background, extensive involvement in community outreach, and his leadership efforts with regard to developing Hispanic-Serving Institution programs are the bedrock of what we were seeking in a new president. We look forward to seeing his vision for RCC take shape.”

“I am truly honored to begin my tenure at RCC and I thank RCC and SUNY”™s Board of Trustees for the opportunity to lead this wonderful institution,” said RÃ¡palo. “Community colleges have been at the heart of higher education in this country as an agency of upward mobility and RCC is an integral part of providing such critical opportunities. I am excited to lead the college in addressing our students”™ needs and build upon the college”™s nationally acclaimed programs to ensure quality education and pathways to employment and workforce training. There has been no greater time to assume this crucial role and I thank the search committee for the opportunity to contribute to RCC”™s legacy of excellence.”