The Advisory Board for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers advice, support, and assistance in sustaining and growing the high caliber of academic programs of the University. The Board advises and supports the Dean, with extensive opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and students, and to learn about current programs and future opportunities in the University. Through individual and collective efforts, the Advisory Board advocates for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and brings relevant individual and professional experiences and insights into the process. The work of the University Advisory Board complements department-level efforts by focusing primarily on university-wide goals.
Mission Statement
In Spring 2010 the LA&S faculty adopted the following Mission Statement:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is committed to the tradition of liberal education and its values of broad inquiry and social responsibility. Our dedicated faculty is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. In addition to a variety of majors and minors and a growing number of interdisciplinary programs, we offer the majority of courses in the General Education Program. Our principal mission is to help students acquire knowledge, insights, and skills in the varied disciplines that constitute our academic unit, and to prepare them to become productive, responsible citizens of the world. We care deeply about the life of the mind and the meaningful exchange of ideas across disciplines. We provide the foundation for a lifetime of learning, in a campus community that values a rich cultural, scientific and artistic environment and embraces diversity. We aim to empower students through the in-depth study of at least one discipline to achieve the following educational outcomes:
- Think and analyze critically and creatively
- Clearly express themselves orally and in writing
- Understand local and global histories and cultures
- Comprehend significant contemporary issues
- Become ethical, empathetic and contributing citizens
Such an educational focus has been identified by national business, policy, and educational leaders as precisely what is needed – by individuals, our nation, and the global community – to meet the needs of the 21st century. But that focus, rather than on "training" for a specific career, means that the external constituencies and bases of support for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are less distinct than for the professional colleges, which generally have direct and natural linkages to individuals and organizations who support and guide the development of their academic programs. Assuring the future vitality of humanities and social sciences programs, which are at the very heart of the university, requires the guidance and support of friends and alumni who share our vision and values and are committed to helping the University realize its full potential. The College Advisory Board will help meet that need.
Key Tasks and Expectations of Board Members:
Provide feedback and advice on academic programs and projects and on the strategic plan of the University to keep our educational programs vital and consistent with societal needs.Work in partnership with the SUNY New Paltz Foundation to participate in fundraising by:
- Assisting in identifying and securing private resources to support the University's mission
- Advising the Dean about prospective donors
- Facilitating introductions and meetings with prospective donors
- Joining the Dean and Foundation staff on calls to prospective donors, as appropriate
- Reviewing and providing input on development plans for the University
- Make a generous (self-defined) annual gift to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Fund
- Network with alumni, policy makers, business leaders, other professionals, and the media to advocate for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (and the liberal arts and sciences) in individual circles of influence
- Provide insight and perspective on career opportunities for students that grow out of the liberal arts focus of our programs
- Provide the Dean, other staff, and faculty with input regarding public relations needs and supply feedback from the broader community about the University
- Attend semi-annual Board meetings (typically half-day) and, as feasible, appropriate college or university on-campus events (Please note: conference call participation will be provided to those Board members unable to attend a meeting in person.)
- Consult with the Dean or the Board Chair about Board or University matters between formal meetings of the Board
- Serve as a local contact for events and alumni relations
Membership
The Board membership will represent the geographic, ethnic, and gender diversity of friends and alumni of the College and the University, as well as include a variety of disciplines and class years. The board shall include a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 21 members, appointed by the Dean for renewable three-year terms.
Members' Biographies
Ed Carroll ('85 Communication & Media) is the chief operating officer of Rainbow Entertainment Services. Mr. Carroll has built some of the most successful brands in television and has overseen the development of some of television's most successful series, including "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad," "Bridezillas," "Inside the Actors Studio" and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
Patrick Coleman ('90 International Relations) is the director for African affairs at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). USTR is part of the executive office of the president of the United States. Mr. Coleman works on developing and implementing U.S. trade policy with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.
Bruce Hottum ('78 Biology) currently operates his own general dentistry practice in Kingston, N.Y. Dr. Hottum is also a teacher of pre-hospital emergency care and rescue to EMS, fire, police and military within the Hudson Valley region.
Jeffrey Korn, Esq. ('79 Speech Communication) has served as senior vice president and chief legal officer for iMergent, Inc., an e-commerce solutions company, since 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Korn was a practicing trial attorney in Jacksonville, Fl., during which time he was a frequent lecturer and author on trial tactics and creditors' rights.
Gary Larkin ('85 English) is a manager/writer at the Big 4 audit firm PwC Center for Board Governance, where he is responsible for writing the BoardroomDirect monthly newsletter and ghostwriting articles for partners, overseeing the Center's web site, and maintaining its Board Center App.
Brandon Waterman ('06 Political Science) is a Staff Attorney at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York City. Prior to this appointment, he held various positions as a judicial law clerk, most recently serving with the Honorable Ivan Davis in Washington, D.C. During his studies at New Paltz, he received the 2006 SUNY Chancellors Award for Student Excellence.
Elizabeth Yaffee-McNeill ('91 Speech Communication) works for Cintas Corporation as a global account manager. In her role, she manages a portfolio of Fortune 1000 companies. She develops and leads account strategy on multi-platform initiatives across all lines of service provided by Cintas.
