SUNY New Paltz President Appointed Co-Chair of Regional Council
Real Estate In-Depth | May 7, 2018
ALBANY—Empire State Development announced on April 26 that Dr. Donald P. Christian, president of the State University of New York at New Paltz, was appointed co-chair of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Dr. Christian replaces Dr. Dennis J. Murray, Marist College President Emeritus, who has served as MHREDC co-chair since the Council’s inception in 2011. The Mid-Hudson Region includes Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Westchester and Rockland counties.
“As a current member of the Mid-Hudson REDC, Dr. Donald Christian has already been a true partner in our mission to catalyze vibrant economic growth in the Mid-Hudson Valley and strengthen communities where New Yorkers can live, work, and play,” said ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “I thank Dr. Dennis Murray for his committed service and leadership over seven rounds of the REDC initiative in the Mid-Hudson region and am confident he leaves the MHREDC in very capable hands. Dr. Donald P. Christian is an excellent choice to build on this region’s successful efforts to create jobs, support local business and spur major infrastructure.”
Incoming MHREDC Co-Chair and SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian said, “As the leader of SUNY New Paltz, the Hudson Valley’s largest public university, I have found my participation in this collaborative effort to build a stronger economy in the region and the state to be extremely rewarding. A strong economy is the foundation of our region’s quality of life. I am humbled and honored by this opportunity, and look forward to working with my council colleagues, ESD leadership and staff, and other partners to continue this great trajectory.”
Dr. Christian was appointed the eighth President at the State University of New York at New Paltz in June 2011 after serving as Interim President from 2010-11. Previously, Dr. Christian served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the college from 2009-2010. Working in collaboration with internal and external constituencies, the president provides overall leadership and guidance for the college and represents the campus’ interests within the SUNY system, with local, state, and federal-elected officials and surrounding communities, and leads or supports many aspects of the college’s role in SUNY and New York State economic development initiatives.
Prior to his appointment to SUNY New Paltz, Dr. Christian was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, associate dean for the Biological Sciences at the University of Montana and has held several positions at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, including Chair of Biology and Director of Graduate studies in the Biology Graduate Program.