\\ The Presidency of Donald P. Christian \\
Leading SUNY New Paltz Forward, 2010-2022
Transformational campus improvement and expansion
Oversaw the most significant capital investment, renovations and building expansion in the College since the 1960s-70s, including seven major renovations and three new buildings.
The 2015 opening of Ridgeview Hall expanded safe, on-campus housing to meet student demand, while also providing a new, modern space for students to enjoy, with a café and gathering space, a seminar room, a faculty apartment, quiet study lounges, Skype rooms and an unparalleled view of New Paltz’s iconic Shawangunk Ridge.
The 2017 opening of Science Hall established a new, modern academic space to support the College’s growing enrollment in STEM fields. The 77,000-square-foot building offers innovative learning spaces, comfortable study areas and state-of-the-art laboratories, and connects the College and the Village of New Paltz as a gateway to campus and a recognizable first impression for visitors.
The 2019 opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub further expanded the campus’s capacity to educate new generations of STEM professionals and to partner with regional industry and support an expanding Hudson Valley tech economy.
A number of notable campus renovations have improved the campus experience for students, faculty and staff in nearly every department and office. Examples include Wooster Hall (2017), the Sojourner Truth Library (2016), the Speech-Language and Hearing Center (2018), the Scholar’s Mentorship Program (2020), multiple residence halls and Old Main (2012).
Also directed the creation of a Facilities Master Plan (completed 2011, updated 2018) to outline strategic priorities and goals for ensuring that the physical campus environment sustainably serves programmatic needs for academic and support space.