NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Mount Saint Mary College president Kevin Mackin, OFM, announced today that he will step down at the end of the current academic year.
The fifth president in the college’s 54-year history, Kevin will have served as president of the Dominican school for close to six years. His plans for the future include addressing health issues and a move to St. Petersburg, Fla.
“Father Kevin has served with great distinction,” said Albert Gruner, chair of the college’s board of trustees. “He led the Mount in its first five-year strategic plan, hired faculty strategically, and improved institutional practice, while also doubling applications for enrollment and expanding our academic offerings.”
Under his leadership, Mount Saint Mary College purchased the Dominican Center, launching “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign for the Dominican Center” in 2012, to raise $10 million to transform the building from the Mount Saint Mary Academy and residences for the Dominican sisters to a state-of-the-art library, residence halls and educational space. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York is expected to dedicate the building next year.
“Students, faculty and staff are absolutely thrilled with the opportunities the Dominican Center presents,” said Kevin, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native.
Since the beginning of his term, Mount Saint Mary College achieved specialized accreditation for its academic business programs, a fully online RN to BS degree program, an interdisciplinary major in technology and digital media, and a new sports management concentration.
The college also expanded its inter-collegiate athletic programs, which now include 20 varsity teams. Kevin’s idea of encouraging community service among student-athletes developed into the “Knights in the Community” initiative.
Kevin commended the faculty, staff and students who provide educational services there.
“I have had great joy serving at the Mount,” he said in a statement released by the college.
Prior to becoming the Mount’s first Franciscan president, Kevin served for 11 years as president of Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., where he holds the title of president emeritus. He has served on national diocesan, Franciscan, and educational committees — including re-accreditation and papal visitation teams — and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work.
Previously, he held other leadership positions, including director of St. Anthony’s Guild and president of Christ the King Seminary in Western New York. In an essay published in the September 1992 issue of The Anthonian magazine, Kevin expressed his satisfaction for his life as a friar and for working in academics, saying, “Preparing students for ministry and teaching was rewarding.”
Mount Saint Mary College will conduct a national search for a new president.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Editor’s note: further information about Kevin Mackin will be provided in a future issue of this newsletter.