A Message from the Board of Trustees
Leadership Transition Announcement at Rockland Community College
Dear Members of the Rockland Community College Community,
Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo and the Board of Trustees have agreed to part ways. Negotiations of the specific terms of that arrangement are ongoing.
We understand that this news may bring about questions and concerns. Please know that the Board is fully committed to a smooth transition. Effective immediately Beth Coyle Ed.D. will assume the position of Officer in Charge. As most of you know, Beth served as Vice President of Operations at RCC from 2018 to 2023. We are pleased to welcome her back to fill this position as she is an experienced leader and educator with expertise in a variety of senior-level academic and operational leadership posts and has a deep understanding of the College. We are also pleased to announce that Virginia Meléndez Ed.D., who has been serving as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at RCC, will assume the role of Chief of Staff.
Our primary commitment is to ensure that Rockland Community College remains a place where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Moving forward, we will seek your input and keep you informed as we embark on the search for a new president. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, we will ensure that Rockland Community College remains a beacon of learning, growth, and opportunity.
Sincerely,
Martin C. Wortendyke
Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Dr. Beth A. Coyle has more than 35 years of higher education experience, focusing on academic, administrative, operational, and auxiliary enterprises in both the public and private sectors. She has led academic and administrative teams at public and private universities and has served in consulting roles for a variety of higher education institutions, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Dr. Coyle is an experienced leader and educator with expertise in a variety of senior-level academic and administrative leadership posts. Her areas of proficiency encompass project planning and management; operations, including facilities and emergency management, business continuity, and planning; development and alumni affairs; auxiliary services; and academic affairs. In the academic realm, she has expertise as an MSCHE Peer Reviewer, in faculty affairs, online academic administration, online teaching and learning, records and registration, and academic success.
Dr. Coyle previously served as Vice President of Operations at Rockland Community College and resides with her family in Rockland County. She received her bachelor’s degree at The College of New Jersey and earned a master’s degree with distinction from Rider University. She was the recipient of a graduate fellowship from Nova Southeastern University’s Programs for Higher Education where she earned a doctoral degree.