The Rockland Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Melanie Tuthill Rie as vice president of academic affairs during its meeting on March 30. In her new role Rie will oversee all academic areas, academic support services and online education. She will also collaborate with the State University of New York (SUNY) on new academic initiatives and serve as a liaison to the faculty senate on matters related to academic policy, curriculum, reappointments, tenure and promotion.
A member of the RCC community since 2022, Rie has served as associate provost of academic affairs since August 2025, where she led academic strategy and initiatives focused on improving student outcomes and strengthening RCC’s academic excellence. Prior to that role, she served as dean of the school of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), faculty senate chair, and faculty member. She holds a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University.
“Dr. Rie has been a valued leader at RCC for more than two decades, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and academic innovation,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “We are confident she will continue to advance the college’s academic mission in this new role.”
Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The college offers ​​35 degree and three certificate programs, and a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors.
In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg.
