SUFFERN – A new president of Rockland Community College will begin his job on July 1.
Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres Rapalo will succeed DR. Michael Baston who stepped down in 2022.
“Dr. Rapalo is an ideal fit for Rockland Community College,” said Martin Wortendyle, chairman of the college Board of Trustees. “We believe he will chart an exciting course that will take RCC into the future. His strong academic background, extensive involvement in community outreach, and his leadership efforts with regard to developing Hispanic-serving institution programs are the bedrock of what we were seeking in a new president.”
Prior to joining RCC, Dr. Rapalo was the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Bronx Community College, City University of New York.
Dr. Rapalo is a National Community College Hispanic Council fellow and board member.
He was born in Honduras and speaks Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
