SUNY Sullivan announces new board appointment

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LOCH SHELDRAKE – SUNY Sullivan announces that Dr. Ellen Galligan has been appointed, effective immediately, to the College’s Board of Trustees. A Forestburgh resident, Galligan is vice president emeritus at Sullivan County Community College, where she worked from 1989–2010 in a variety of positions. Galligan, appointed to the board by Governor Hochul, succeeds longtime Trustee Phyllis “Penny” Coombe.

“I am honored to be appointed to the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Galligan. “I began my studies at a community college and believe in its mission to provide opportunity for students to achieve their educational goals. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the students, faculty, and staff at SUNY Sullivan, and I look forward to serving the College in this role.”

Dr. Ellen Galligan

“I welcome Dr Galligan back to an active role in the SUNY Sullivan community!” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “We are fortunate that Governor Hochul has chosen a new trustee who brings a great deal of history and experience to the table. Ellen was a great asset here in the past and I look forward to working with her as she brings her experience to bear in a new role!”

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1997 by Governor George Pataki, Coombe’s 25 years on the board included working to raise matching funds to build a new dorm, develop a new strategic plan for the college, and establish new academic programs. She served on numerous committees and chaired the presidential search and the Middle States accreditation committees. Her awards include a 2005 Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service from New York Community College Trustees and a 2012 “Women Who Make a Difference” award for Higher Education.

“I believe that my professional career in secondary education enhanced my board service,” said Coombe. “I also believe in the power of education to change lives and in the importance of our community college to provide relevant opportunities for all ages. My 25 years of service has been an honor and a privilege and mostly a pleasure! There have been significant challenges, but SUNY Sullivan is positioned for further success.”

“I want to thank Trustee Coombe for going above and beyond in her service to the college,” Quaintance said. “Her 25-year tenure on the board has been marked by many changes, and the board has long relied on her wisdom and experience. To say Penny will be missed is an understatement. She has made a lasting impact on the college and the county and will be missed.”




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