David W. Marcell

David W. Marcell began his long association with Skidmore in 1964, when he joined the faculty as director of the American Studies Program. He led the program's transition to department status in 1967 and remained its chair until 1977, when he assumed the office of college provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Marcell served as acting president from November 1983 to April 1984, while President Joseph C. Palamountain took a sabbatical leave.

During Marcell's tenure, Skidmore completed the transitions to a new campus and to coeducation; underwent two major curricular overhauls; and weathered social tumult and a major financial crisis.

He left in 1991 to become provost at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He returned to Skidmore in 2001 as leadership gifts officer.