Rockland Community College To Seek New Leader

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland Community College President Michael A. Baston is stepping down in July to take a job in Ohio.

The RCC Board of Trustees plans to name an interim president to serve while a national search takes place to identify a successor.

Martin Wortendyke, Chair of the Board of Trustees, issued a statement Wednesday:

We are appreciative of Dr. Michael Baston’s leadership and inspiration during his time at RCC, especially in light of the unique challenges we faced over the past two years. We are committed to finding a new president for the College who will continue to amplify and expand on the mission and vision of RCC. Rockland Community College has been serving the surrounding community for over six decades providing educational opportunities for individuals at all ages and stages of life. We will continue to fulfill that mission while embracing and moving forward with many of the initiatives developed over the past several years. The next president will continue to carry forward the work we have always done in serving our diverse community.

Baston has served as president of Rockland Community College in Suffern since 2017. SEE: Rockland Community College Names New President

College officials said he led initiatives spurring growth and increasing educational pathways including the new hospitality and culinary arts center and the Career Skills and English Skills academies to address middle-skills workforce needs.

He also secured the largest grants in RCC history, including $30 million in capital and other funding including back-to-back Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institution awards.

He was elected in March to the Board of Trustees of Teachers College, Columbia University.

Baston announced he has accepted the position of President of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland.

"This was a difficult decision," Baston said. "I have truly enjoyed leading Rockland Community College over the past five years and while the pandemic presented unique challenges, I believe the RCC campus community is stronger and more prepared for the future than ever before. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know my successor will be welcomed with open arms and lead RCC into the next exciting phase of its history.”

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Thanks to the school’s affordable tuition, students who begin their career journey at RCC and then transfer to a four-year college can save up to $100,000 on their education. RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through its new Career Skills Academy. More information can be found on the website.