Amanda Fries

Poughkeepsie Journal

David Yellen aims to develop a new strategic plan for Marist College, as well as increase alumni involvement and advance the use of innovative technology, when he takes over as the school's next president on July 1.

More than institute great change, however, Yellen said he will look to build on the success and growth the liberal arts college has enjoyed under his predecessor. During Dr. Dennis J. 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.

“Marist is in great shape — academically and financially,” Yellen said Saturday, after the college announced his appointment by unanimous vote of its board of trustees. “Marist doesn’t need someone coming in to remake it in any way. (My plan is) just continue to build the momentum that Marist has now. And my first job is going to be to get to know lots of people and lots of programs.”

Yellen, 58, a Paramus, New Jersey native, served as dean and professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law for the past decade. He will be formally introduced to staff and students at Marist on Monday. Marist spokesman Greg Cannon said the college is not releasing the terms of Yellen's contract.

Murray, 69, has served as president of the Town of Poughkeepsie institution since 1979. He announced his retirement last year, effective June 30. He will remain at the college as President Emeritus and a professor of public policy.

Marist College president Murray announces retirement

Murray lauded the college’s choice, pointing to Yellen’s exemplary academic credentials to commitment to public service as the key characteristics that set him apart from other candidates.

“He has all the qualities that our college community was looking for,” Murray said. “I’m confident that the minute he gets to campus and the torch is passed, he’ll take it and run with it.”

Yellen has a Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School and earned his bachelor's degree at Princeton University. 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.

Prior to his current position at Loyola, Yellen was a member of the faculty at Hofstra Law School, where he held the Max Schmertz Distinguished Professorship and served as dean from 2001-2004. He served as the Reuschlein Distinguished Visiting Professor at Villanova University School of Law and also taught at Cornell Law School and New York Law School.

However, Yellen said his background in law is not an indication Marist is looking to expand its offerings in the field, especially given declining law school enrollment nationally.

Yellen was selected by a 15-member search committee, led by Ross Mauri, a 1980 Marist graduate and the general manager of z Systems at IBM Inc. Mauri also serves as vice chairman of the college's board of trustees.

"The committee’s focus from the start was to identify an individual with the balance of intellect, integrity, and experience necessary to lead the College through what will surely be an exciting and challenging time in higher education," Mauri said in a release. "With the selection of David Yellen from a field of excellent candidates, I know that we have achieved that important goal."

During his longstanding tenure, Murray turned a nearly bankrupt institution into a thriving economic engine in Dutchess County. The college has seen enrollments grow 245 percent, applications increase seven-fold and has increased its total assets from $22 million to $576 million.

VIDEO: President Dennis Murray leaves his mark on Marist College

Murray has been deeply involved in the local community, particularly in economic development, and was recently being given the Business Excellence Grand Award by the Dutchess County Economic Development Corp.

"Dr. Murray has been a true leader in Dutchess County and throughout the Hudson Valley, not only in education and academics, but in economic development and really developing the community overall," Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said. "I'm very impressed with (the college's) selection. I certainly look forward to welcoming (Yellen) to Dutchess County and working collaboratively to improve the overall quality of life and economic growth throughout the region."

Murray also is co-chairman of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, a volunteer panel that reviews and recommends job-creating projects that are pitched to the state for potential funding. Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson and a representative on the council, said Murray has been integral in developing a “visionary strategic plan” for the region and has had many contributions, including redeveloping the college waterfront to attract community members. Sullivan said he looks forward to continuing those efforts with the new college head.

“Yellen brings to Marist a distinguished history as an academic leader and experience in public policy at the local and national level, including a record in embracing diversity,” Sullivan said. “I look forward to supporting his future efforts to build on college’s great history while joining with others to help (the City of) Poughkeepsie achieve its full potential as the county seat and a great place to live, work and study.”

Yellen likewise has a track record for community involvement. He served as an adviser on white collar crime to former President Clinton's transition team. He 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.

“Marist is such a big part of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County; that relationship is vital to everyone in the community,” Yellen said. “Like (Murray), I look forward to participating and contributing in any way that I can to continue to advance all of us.”

Frank Castella Jr., president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, praised Marist's choice.

“It’s great to see that he’s going to have the extensive knowledge and background because it’s possibilities; it opens a lot of doors for us, I think,” Castella said. “Overall, we’re excited to have a new leader. We look forward to welcoming him.”

Yellen will be moving from Chicago to the Poughkeepsie area in the spring with his wife Leslie Richard-Yellen, who is an attorney. The couple has three adult daughters, Jordan, Meredith and Bailey.

"It was clear to me from the outset of this process that Marist is a special place, where the traditions of its founders find continued expression through the great work of everyone associated with the College, both in and out of the classroom," Yellen said. “I really look forward to being a part of the daily life of Marist and the student experience here.”

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

David Yellen

From: Paramus, New Jersey

Age: 58

Currently: Dean and Professor of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Accomplishments: No. 7 on National Jurist's 2015 "25 Most Influential People in Legal Education," ; Magazine named Loyola Chicago one of the nation's 10 best law schools for experiential learning; implemented degree programs that helped Loyola Chicago increase enrollment; created Dean's Diversity Council, helping increase school's racial diversity.

Dr. Dennis J. Murray

From: California

Age: 69

Currently: President, Marist College

Accomplishments: Total assets at Marist increased from $22 million to $576 million during his tenure; Endowment increased from $500,000 to $221 million; Enrollment increased from 1,842 to 6,365 students, even as the acceptance rate became more selective; Campus increased in size from 93 to 224 acres.

About Marist

Students: 6,356 total, including 4,764 traditional undergraduates.

Alumni: 38,184, including 9,606 in Hudson River Valley region.

Campus: 210 acres along eastern and western shoes of the Hudson River, 51 buildings, 37 student housing facilities.

Study sites: Main campus in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill Center extension, Florence, Italy branch campus, Marist International Programs (31 countries), Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Organization Leadership & Communication program at New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Marist in Manhattan, New York City.

Tuition: $33,250 full-time undergraduate