Merkel Named Assistant to the Provost

December 18, 2007

PLATTSBURGH, NY (December 17, 2007) - Diane K. Merkel has been appointed to the position of assistant to the provost at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she will be charged with the coordination and development of quality academic programs and services, ensuring that they meet the needs of today's students. Her duties will also include budgetary and personnel matters.

Daine Merkel Merkel has a degree in accounting and 30 years experience in financial management and human resources. She also has eight years experience in handling labor relations.

She comes to SUNY Plattsburgh from Clinton Community College (CCC) where she has been a senior staff member and served on the President's Cabinet and on the Strategic Planning Committee. Her most recent job title was that of affirmative action officer. She has also served as the bursar, the assistant to the dean for administration/business affairs and the bookkeeper/treasurer of the college.

In addition to her work with CCC, Merkel has experience as a controller for a department store and as an auditor for two large public accounting firms.

She is a member of several human resource associations and the chairperson of Behavioral Health Services North's board of directors.

"Diane Merkel has extensive experience in higher education, budgeting and human resources," said Provost Golden. "She has exactly the background we need for the position of assistant to the provost, and I look forward to her joining the provost's office in January."

"I'm delighted with the recent appointment," said Merkel, "and I'm looking forward to working with Dr. Golden and the members of the administration, faculty, and staff at SUNY Plattsburgh."