The chairman of the Molloy College Board of Trustees, Paul H. Durnan, has announced that Dr. Martin D. Snyder, president of Molloy College since July 1996, advised the board of his resignation as president effective Feb. 8, citing family and health reasons for his decision.

Dr. Snyder advised the board that "the pressure of my official duties along with my continued separation from my family, have been challenging for me since my recent surgery." He also stated that both his recuperation and the needs of the College would suffer if he did not step down at this time. Finally, he advised the board that "It has been an honor and a pleasure for me to have served Molloy College and its very fine people. I wish you and the college a bright and prosperous future."

Mr. Durnan, in making this announcement, said "Although the board accepts his resignation with regret, we understand Dr. Snyder's reasons, and we are thankful for his 2 1/2 years of dynamic leadership, not only as president of Molloy College, but as a leader of higher education here on Long Island and the New York metropolitan area. The Molloy College Board of Trustees and the entire Molloy community wish Dr. Snyder every success in all of his future endeavors. He will be sorely missed."

The Board of Trustees, in a meeting last evening, unanimously approved Dr. Valerie Hawkes Collins, currently the vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty, to be the acting president. A national search for a new president will be launched. Dr. Collins, a Molloy alumna, received a Ph.D in higher education administration from New York University. Prior to being appointed dean, Dr. Collins was director of the undergraduate nursing program. Throughout her 23 years as a member of Molloy's department of nursing, Dr. Collins was involved in a number of projects that have established the department's reputation for excellence, including the establishment of the graduate program in nursing, which was the first graduate program at the college.

Major achievements during Dr. Snyder's brief but productive tenure:

In the business department, a practice firm was established to teach student "employees" effective and ethical business conduct through simulated commercial transactions conducted in an authentic office setting, using latest technologies to connect with other practice firm students around the world.

Founding of the Kellenberg Art Gallery Long Island's newest artscene, with exhibits by such well-known artists as Ron Ehrlich, Brooke Rea Chapman, S. Maureen Carey, Sabra Field, Jan Heath and Marc Van Cauwenbergh, as well as the Senior Student Art Exhibit. The New York Times reviewed the work of Marc Van Cauwenbergh, calling his paintings a blend of "evocative energy" and "improvisational accident."

Initiation of a master's degree in education for the Spring '99 semester, stressing one of the college's traditional strengths. The Long Island population accepted this new program with enthusiasm.

Addition of two new majors in 1997 and 1998; Criminal Justice and Environmental Studies. Both give Molloy College students new and exciting fields to pursue after graduation.

A new emphasis on athletics, including new men's soccer and lacrosse teams and the expansion of all women's athletic programs; building a fully-equipped fitness center, and creating a new baseball field behind Kellenberg Hall.

Organizing campus offices to create one-stop shopping when the bursar, registrar, and career services were all relocated in convenient offices in the Wilbur Arts Building, making it easier for students to register, pay their bills, and seek career advice.

Establishment of the Center for Social and Ethical Concerns, dedicated to critical analysis of issues affecting peaceful and just relations between people on a local, national and global scale.

Instituting an annual Community Day, when the entire Molloy community got the opportunity to get together on campus and discuss the college's goals and policies together.

Campus Ministries outreach in Nassau County and Brooklyn, encouraging students to volunteer for after-school monitoring programs, and to help the needy, the homeless, the hungry, and the ill, especially AIDS patients on Long Island.

Establishing Women of Spirit, an annual symposium, initiated at Dr. Snyder's Inauguration, to celebrate women's spiritual and academic contribution to the church.

Creation of the Faculty Professional Center, giving media support and teaching media skills for use in the classroom.

Dr. Snyder was president of the Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education; he was active in the Long Island Association; and he was frequently interviewed by Long Island print and broadcast media on important topics of the day. He lives in North Haven, CT with his wife, Carol, and their three children, Anna, Ellen and Carl.

For further information, please contact the Office for Eternal Affairs of Molloy College, 678-5000, extension 6300.