College names interim dean of students

SUNY New Paltz announces the appointment of Robin Cohen-La Valle as interim dean of students within the Division of Student Affairs. This appointment follows the promotion of Linda Eaton from the dean of students position to that of associate vice president for student affairs.

Cohen-La Valle holds a bachelor’s degree (1977) and a master’s degree (1982) from SUNY New Paltz. She began her professional career at New Paltz in 1995 as the assistant dean of students and was promoted to associate dean of students in 1998. Cohen-La Valle was a key participant in the creation of the New Paltz Tavern Owner’s Agreement, a principal author in the FIPSE grant that catapulted New Paltz to national recognition for its programming to prevent alcohol abuse, and is a recipient of a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Most recently, Cohen-La Valle has been working closely with Associate Vice President Eaton in the area of student judicial matters. This will be Cohen-La Valle’s primary area of responsibility following this appointment.

“I feel privileged to serve as the interim dean of students,” said Cohen-La Valle. “I look forward to working with the Office of Student Affairs and supporting the important mission of fostering student development in the college community.”