In July 2019, Milbert Mariano, professor of graphic design in the department of visual arts at Pacific Union College (PUC), will transition into a new role at the college. After nearly 25 years of teaching graphic design, 12 of those as department chair, Mariano has recently been named the college’s new vice president for academic administration and academic dean. Mariano fills the role following Nancy Lecourt’s retirement after 40 years at PUC.

Having also spent four years at PUC as a student, Mariano’s intimate knowledge of and love for the college goes back nearly three decades. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees—one in advertising design and one in studio art—and an Master of Fine Arts from Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

“Milbert is an established leader on campus,” asserts Bob Cushman, PUC president. “He has credibility and trust with faculty and staff, and as chair he built a department culture that was collaborative and inclusive — a model we want to share and develop across campus.”

Throughout the years, Mariano has served in several capacities on campus beyond his teaching and chair roles. Taking interest in every area of campus, he has served on several student committees as advisor and sponsor, coordinated the annual publications workshop for high school students, and has been part of PUC’s web committee, cultural engagement taskforce, Academic Standards & General Education, and more.

“The faculty and staff at PUC are its most valuable assets,” says Mariano. “They are dedicated to both our students’ and the college’s success, and I am proud to be a part of that. I love watching that dedication in action every single day.”

Mariano has observed and been a part of PUC’s faculty governance system for a dozen years, and it has offered him many insights into the inner workings of such an active organization. Over time Mariano has become adept at crafting curriculum, designing academic spaces, and building work culture, all of which will serve him well in his new position of leadership.

Another significant part of Mariano’s new job will be implementing, reviewing, and revising the strategic plan, alongside his administrative colleagues. Currently a part of PUC’s cultural engagement taskforce, he has spent many hours listening to and reviewing feedback from his colleagues across campus, working with the taskforce and administration to move toward changes that will enhance and improve the campus culture.

Mariano says, “I look forward to being a part of strengthening the PUC learning community by growing authentic connections between students, staff, faculty, and the greater community.”

Mariano and his wife, Julie Z. Lee, have two boys.

Maria Rankin-Brown Named New Associate Academic Dean

Maria Rankin-Brown, who has served for the last four years as chair of the department of English at Pacific Union College, will find herself in a new role this summer, serving as associate academic dean for the college.

An English professor for more than 20 years, Rankin-Brown has taught at PUC since 2006. During this time, she has served as composition program coordinator, publication workshop presenter and then co-director, and department chair. Prior to her time at PUC, Rankin-Brown taught English as a second language for multiple organizations, developing curriculum and managing tutors and instructors. In addition, she has taught public speaking, composition, and communication courses.

“I’ve been a student at PUC, a faculty member, a chair, and a co-director of a summer program, giving me insight into multiple arenas on campus,” Rankin-Brown says.

Maria and her husband, Morris, have lived in Angwin for 13 years.

— Becky St. Clair is a freelance writer; this article combines two articles published on June 11, 2019, on the Pacific Union College website.