August 20, 2024 — The Marist community welcomes three new senior leaders in time for the new academic year. 

As the new Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Dr. Ron Buckmire comes to Marist after more than three decades at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Dr. Buckmire held various leadership roles, including Mathematics Department Chair, Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, and Director of the Core Program.

Dr. Buckmire recently served as the Lead Program Director at the National Science Foundation for the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, which provides grants to colleges and universities to offer scholarships for academically talented students with financial need majoring in STEM disciplines. 

Dr. Buckmire’s leadership of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics comes at a crucial time as emerging technologies and issues such as AI, cybersecurity, the responsible use of data, and augmented reality are rapidly reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for partnerships.

Marist also welcomes Andrea Conner as its new Vice President of Student Affairs.

Andrea comes to Marist with 23 years of experience in student affairs roles of increasing responsibility, including the last 10 in the most senior student affairs role at her institutions. She has a proven track record leading comprehensive programs that elevate the student experience and support student success. 

Having worked at several residential liberal arts colleges, Andrea brings to Marist a strong background in institutional leadership and vision, strategic thinking, empathetic communication skills, student-centric advocacy, and the ability to build relationships across campus constituencies. 

Andrea most recently served as Interim Senior Student Affairs Officer at Coe College in Iowa, where she supervised Residence Life, Campus Life, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Chaplain, Health and Wellness, Student Conduct, and Title IX.

Read more about Andrea.

Following a national search, the College welcomes Daniel Gough as the new Director of the Office of Safety and Security. Daniel has spent 19 years in higher education leadership roles, serving in safety and security at four prestigious universities, and brings extensive emergency management and military experience to Marist.

He spent more than a decade at Colgate University, where he improved the emergency response system, campus safety protocols, and coordination between key departments. His career also includes security director roles at St. George’s University, Roger Williams University, and the University of California San Diego.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Marist team and excited to share my passion for safety and helping others with the Marist community,” said Gough. “I look forward to developing close relationships with the Marist students and staff, as well as local public safety officials, to ensure a safe and inclusive place for campus community members to live, work, and learn."

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Gough holds a master’s degree in emergency management and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He has worked in the safety and security industry for over 25 years, including roles in the military and private sector, in addition to his experience in higher education.

Gough served in the United States Navy for over 10 years, where he held positions such as Safety Officer, Weapons Officer, and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer. Following his military service, Gough worked as an international risk management and security consultant.

He succeeds John Blaisdell, who retired at the end of June.

The Office of Safety and Security at Marist College is a 24-hour a day, seven days a week operation with about 40 full and part-time employees.