Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo and the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College have agreed to part ways. Negotiations of the specific terms of that arrangement are ongoing.
Rápalo had only been on the job 11 months. Campus News had interviewed him this past fall, as he'd started his first semester at RCC, and he spoke of increasing enrollment and helping more students graduate.
Also, a press release from the college last fall touted an enrollment increase at the college, with 6000 total students.
However, several news articles reported budget deficits at the college and a no confidence vote by faculty as positions were cut.
A statement from the college reads: "The Board is now focused on ensuring a seamless leadership transition. Effective immediately Beth Coyle Ed.D. will assume the position of Officer in Charge. Beth Coyle served as Vice President of Operations at RCC from 2018 to 2023. 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. Virginia Melendez Ed.D., who has been serving as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at RCC, will assume the role of Chief of Staff.
"The Board remains dedicated to maintaining Rockland Community College as a beacon of learning and opportunity, and we appreciate the community’s continued support during this period of transition."
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