LOUDONVLLE, N.Y. — James Toal, OFM, has stepped down as Siena College vice president after nearly 40 years in educational leadership.
He will become a special assistant on projects to President Kevin Mullen, OFM, and will continue to play an active role with the athletic department during the spring semester that began this week.
“I have known Jim for more than 30 years, and have always counted on him as a friend and a mentor,” said Kevin. “He has worked long and well for Siena College and with other Franciscan projects. I will miss him. But I appreciate that he’s going to get a well-deserved breather.”
He added: “On behalf of the college, I thank him with gratitude for his talent, expertise and dedication to the Franciscan life and to the administration of the college.”
James began his Siena service in 1997, after serving as president of Quincy University in Quincy, Ill., for 14 years, and, before that, he served as executive vice president of St. Bonaventure University from 1976 to ‘83. Earlier, he was principal of St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn, N.Y.
A native of New York City, James earned a bachelor’s degree in English (with minors in French and history) from St. Francis College in New York, a master’s in English from St. John’s University, and a Ph.D. in college administration and supervision from Fordham University. He also attended the Weston School of Theology in Boston.
He was ordained a priest in 1975.
— Janet Gianopoulos is director of news servies for Siena College