School Notes

HIGH SCHOOLS

Groundbreaking for Track
At Kennedy Catholic
John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers held a groundbreaking ceremony July 14 for its new track and field facility.
The event began with a prayer by Father Mark Vaillancourt, president and principal of the school, and a blessing of workers and those who will use the track and field. The LandTek Group Inc. of Amityville is undertaking the project, with completion expected near the beginning of the school year and a ribbon-cutting ceremony due in October.
The new track will include an approved 400-meter course. The straightaway will be widened and new surfacing material will be installed. Field areas will include spaces for triple jump, pole vault and shot put.

COLLEGES

College of New Rochelle Honored
For Technology Partnership
The College of New Rochelle won the “2015 Innovation Award for Resource Enhancement” from the National Association of College and University Business Officers for the college’s shared services model for technological advancement with Marist College in Poughkeepsie.
The collaboration enabled the College of New Rochelle to revamp its website, now hosted on Marist’s server. It also transitioned its finance operations to the technologically advanced system. The next step includes moving registration, financial aid and academic advisement over to a single platform.
Judith Huntington, president of The College of New Rochelle, said, “We hope that this approach will serve as a model for other higher educational institutions.” Dennis Murray, president of Marist College, said, “It doesn’t make sense for every college to invest in high-tech resources, when colleges like Marist, who have it as a core competency, are in a position to share their expertise.”

St. Thomas Aquinas Names
Provost, Academic VP
Dr. Robert Murray was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, effective July 1. The announcement was made by Sister Margaret Fitzpatrick, S.C., president of the college.
Dr. Murray, who has worked at the college since 1998, served the college as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, 2012-2015, and chair of the Humanities department, 2007-2012. He is a professor of English who served as director of the writing program.
In his new role he will serve as the college’s chief academic officer, oversee its three schools, and hold responsibility for academic budgets, regional and professional accreditation.
Dr. Murray previously taught at Virginia Military Institute, Princeton University and Rutgers University. He holds a doctorate in English from Rutgers University.

Mount St. Mary College
Appoints Executive VP
Dr. Mark Newcomb has been appointed executive vice president of Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh, effective Aug. 3. The announcement was made by Dr. Anne Carson Daly, president of the college.
In his new position he will be responsible for strategic planning, management, assessment and compliance. The vice president of facilities and operations and the dean of student affairs will report to him.
He most recently served as director of the Master of Liberal Arts and Undergraduate Degree Completion Programs at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He also served at Belmont Abbey College.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and French from Hampden-Sydney College, a master’s degree from Duke University Divinity School and a doctorate in historical theology from Fordham University.