Mackin

NEWBURGH – The Board of Trustees of Mount Saint Mary College Monday announced the appointment of Rev. Kevin Mackin to succeed Sr. Ann Sakac as the Newburgh college’s fifth president. Sr. Sakac retires on June 30 after 31 years as president.

Mackin was selected following national search. He most recently served as president of Siena College in Loudonville from 1996 to 2007.

College Board Chairman Carl Meyer said under Mackin’s leadership, the college will increase its fundraising and other functions. “We really need to supplement the tuition driven revenue that the college sees. We’re looking toward a greater level of financial sustainability,” he said. The college is also looking for “an increased emphasis on a business school at the Mount, focusing more on the business interests in the community and the region.” The third component is to maintain the Dominican values system, which Sr. Ann has so lovingly and passionately built into the college.”

During his tenure at Siena College, the school reached unprecedented growth in its offerings and added a number of facilities, including the Standish Library, the Sarazen Student Union, the Morrell Science Center and a synthetic turf field. The college increased technology and established the Hickey Financial Technology Center. The endowment grew to more than $130 million from $80 million.

Sr. Sakac endorsed Fr. Mackin’s appointment. “The Mount has experienced tremendous growth and stands ready to expand its role in serving the educational needs of the Hudson Valley and beyond, and in the renaissance of the City of Newburgh.”

During her tenure at the Mount, Sakac has greatly expanded the school’s academic offerings and introduced graduate programs; incorporated technology into the classroom, its library and the operation of the college; constructed new academic facilities and an athletic center; expanded and upgraded its residence halls; more than tripled its enrollment to 2,600; and seen its annual operating budget expand from $3.5 million to $54 million.

Mackin will take office on July 1.