Rockland Community College (RCC) has selected William P. Mullaney to be its new president, succeeding Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo whose time in the office ended in June amid concern over the school’s financial status.
Mullaney has been president at SUNY Corning Community College (SUNY CCC). Previously, he served as vice president of academic affairs at Bergen Community College.
The announcement of Mullaney’s appointment concludes a national search that was conducted by RCC’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee along with the assistance of the search firm Isaacson Miller that the college had retained. A start date for Mullaney at RCC was to be determined.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Mullaney to Rockland Community College as our ninth president,” said RCC Board of Trustees Chair L’Tanya M. Watkins. “We are confident he will lead RCC toward an exciting and promising future. His impressive academic credentials, deep commitment to equity, understanding of the significance of community engagement, and his leadership experience align perfectly with our goals for the college.”
Mullaney said, “I look forward to collaborating with the board, faculty, staff, and community leaders to build on the college’s proud legacy while ensuring that our students have the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. Together, we will continue to advance RCC’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and service to our community.”
In February of this year, Mullaney represented community colleges at a White House roundtable where he advocated for their role in strengthening the U.S. workforce. While at Bergen Community College, he was credited with increasing graduation rates by 7% over three years. He launched the college’s first early college program and introduced new academic programs including fashion design, paramedic science, and sports management.
At SUNY CCC he oversaw the launching the college’s first DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) plan and programs such as the Education Opportunity Program and Corning Prison Education Program.
Under Mullaney during the 2023-2024 school year, SUNY CCC saw its first enrollment increase in more than a decade, a 40% rise in its three-year graduation rate, and the development of new programs in technology and health care.
