Presidential Update

CORNING, N.Y. -- The State University of New York Board of Trustees appointed Dr. William P. Mullaney as the President of Rockland Community College. Dr. Mullaney is the ninth president to serve Rockland Community College and will start his term on June 1, 2025, after he completes the academic year at SUNY Corning Community College (SUNY CCC).

“During my time as president of SUNY Corning Community College, I had the honor of leading an esteemed team of staff and faculty who launched the Educational Opportunity Program and expanded wraparound services for student success—contributing to higher enrollment and graduation rates,” said Dr. Mullaney. “While I will miss this tight-knit community, I am excited to take on the presidency of Rockland Community College, one of SUNY’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions, to increase higher education opportunities for more people in the region.”

Dr. Mullaney currently serves as SUNY CCC’s seventh president, a position he has held since July 2019. During his tenure at SUNY CCC, the College has enjoyed transformative advancements in equity, student outcomes, program innovation, and community engagement. He spearheaded the development of the College’s first comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan, establishing a foundation for long-term institutional change. His commitment to accessible education is further demonstrated by the launch of the Corning/Elmira Prison Education Program (CEPEP) and the Education Opportunity Program (EOP), initiatives that have expanded opportunities for underserved populations and reinforced the College’s mission of social justice.

Dr. Mullaney has also driven improvements in enrollment and graduation metrics, achieving SUNY CCC’s first enrollment increase in over a decade with a 2.3% increase in 2023-24. During the same period, the College notched a record-high three-year graduation rate. These successes are complemented by his leadership in academic program expansion, including the creation of cutting-edge offerings such as Mechatronics, Digital Design, Automotive Technology, and Pharmacy Technician programs, with additional initiatives slated for 2025. He also recently led the College through a successful Middle States Commission on Higher Education re-accreditation.

Beyond campus, Dr. Mullaney serves on local economic and workforce boards, and he has represented community colleges at national forums such as the 2024 White House roundtable on workforce development and the NYS Regional Economic Development Council, Co-Chair for Workforce. His efforts underscore his commitment to fostering individual student success and broader economic vitality. He was also selected to participate in the 2024-2025 Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship.

“While we are disappointed to see Dr. Mullaney leave us here on Spencer Hill, on behalf of the College’s Regional Board of Trustees, I congratulate him on this advancement in his career and thank him for his efforts during his 5+ years as our President,” said Michael Wayne, Chair of the Regional Board of Trustees at Corning Community College.

Corning Community College’s Regional Board of Trustees will convene a national search for Dr. Mullaney’s replacement.