NEWS

New Marist president welcomed by faculty, students

Amanda Fries
Poughkeepsie Journal

When David Yellen first began considering schools where he may attain a position as president, Marist College was at the top of his list.

Now, roughly six years after making that list, it's a reality.

Yellen met with hundreds of faculty, staff and students at Marist Monday, expressing his gratitude for being selected as the school's next president and excitement for joining an institution that has all the attributes Yellen was looking for — from secure finances to innovative ideas and approaches.

Marist College incoming president David Yellen addresses faculty and staff during a welcoming event at Marist College on Feb. 8.

“Higher education is in such a period of change, and schools are learning that they have to adapt to the changes, or they may not make it,” Yellen said. “Marist seems extremely well-positioned to thrive in this challenging future.”

Marist officials announced Saturday that Yellen, 58, will succeed Dr. Dennis J. Murray as president come July 1. Murray, 69, will be retiring as president June 30, and will be taking on the roles of President Emeritus and professor of public policy. During Murray's 37-year tenure, Marist has increased its enrollments by 245 percent, expanded its campus and has become a leader in Dutchess County’s economic community. Murrayannounced his retirement last year.

VIDEO: New Marist president looks to build on success

Marist senior Caitlin Murray, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in math in the spring, said she was impressed with the fact that Marist was at the top of Yellen’s list when it came to campuses he wanted to lead.

“He seems really passionate about Marist,” she said. “I know he’ll do great.”

Other students and faculty members noted that Yellen’s background in criminal and social justice will fit well with the mission of Marist. Yellen, a Paramus, New Jersey, native, served as dean and professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law for the past decade. Prior to his academic career, Yellen served as clerk for a federal judge, practiced law in Washington, D.C., and served as counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I think he’s an innovative thinker,” said Daria Hanssen, director of the college’s social work program and part of the search committee. “He has a strong social justice background as a lawyer and he’s involved with many efforts in Chicago to reform the criminal justice system.”

Yellen was appointed special master by Cook County Criminal Division presiding Judge Paul Biebel Jr., working to identify inmates who may be entitled to new trials. He also serves on the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council and is a member of the Board of Directors of Cook County Justice for Children.

Incoming Marist College President David Yellen speaks to students, faculty and staff during a welcoming event at Marist on Monday.

Marist’s student-body President Timos Pietris, a junior and the student representative on the college’s search committee, said Yellen embodies an entrepreneurial spirit.

“It’s deep-seated inside of him,” Pietris said, adding that this quality is important and parallels Marist, which is founded on that principle, among others.

Annamaria Maciocia, pre-law advisor and director of the American Bar Association-approved paralegal certificate program at Marist, said Yellen will be an “enormous benefit” to the college community.

“I think this (selection) is an excellent foundation for Marist College,” she said. “I think he will build on the strong traditions we have in place.”

Amanda Fries: afries@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4824; Twitter: @mandy_fries