Marc C. Conner, Ph.D.

Marc C. Conner became the eighth president of Skidmore College on July 1, 2020.

As president, Conner has steered the College through the many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prioritized Skidmore’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly through the introduction of its Racial Justice Initiative, and completed an ambitious Campus Master Planning process that will guide campus planning for the next decade and beyond, informing future strategic planning to steward Skidmore’s resources and best align the College’s priorities.

An innovative leader of interdisciplinary academic programs, a longtime advocate of diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a widely published professor of English, Conner joined Skidmore College following over 24 years at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, where he had most recently served as provost and chief academic officer from 2016 to 2020.

Conner has published extensively on modern American, African American, and Irish literature. His dozens of essays and eight books on literature include “The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison,” which The New York Times Book Review named a notable book of 2020. He has also produced three lecture series for The Great Courses on Shakespeare and on Irish Literature. His fondest teaching experience has been taking students to Ireland for an intensive study-abroad program.

Barbara Reyes-Conner

Barbara Reyes-Conner is an experienced professional in the field of special education and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The wife of current Skidmore College President Marc Conner, who took office on July 1, 2020, she has worked in multiple public schools and community organizations.

She is an avid supporter of fitness and athletics, having taught mixed martial arts classes at her local YMCA for many years and having played softball in college.

Reyes-Conner recently joined the boards of directors of the Saratoga Regional YMCA and AIM Services Inc., a local agency dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. At Skidmore, she is particularly eager to explore ways to connect students with the community through volunteer and community service projects.