SUFFERN, NY – The Rockland Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Melanie Tuthill Rie as Vice President of Academic Affairs during its meeting on March 30.
In her new role, Dr. 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, Dr. 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.
“I look forward to continuing to serve RCC and supporting its goals of academic excellence and student success in my new role,” said Dr. Rie. “I am grateful for the continued opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, and our SUNY partners to strengthen academic programs and support our students.”
“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.”