Robert Mudge Has New Duties as Director of Purchasing

Robert Mudge, a purchasing agent at the College since 1988, has been promoted to purchasing director. In his new duties he will be responsible for planning and directing all the College’s buying operations. That includes preparing bids and specifications, negotiating and writing contracts, developing and implementing procedures related to the purchasing of commodities and services, and maintaining vendor relationships. He began his new duties October 16 after having served as interim director since June.

"Bob brings a unique combination of purchasing expertise and 12 years of experience at Ithaca College," says Carl Sgrecci, vice president and treasurer. "A consummate professional and a productive employee, he will serve the College well as departments seek to acquire the goods and services that are essential for their day-to-day operations."

Mudge holds an associate’s degree from Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, New York, and a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Denver. Since 1973 he has served as purchasing agent in the private business sector as well as for institutions of higher education. In 1991 he earned accreditation as certified purchasing manager, and he later completed additional requirements to earn the designation of "lifetime" certified purchasing manager. A member of the National Association of Educational Buyers for the last 13 years, he served a three-year term as that organization’s treasurer and participated in a progressive four-year officer service program that in 1998 led to the office of regional president.

"Ithaca College has been the high point of my career," Mudge says. "This is where I’ve been given the greatest opportunity to grow, and I am grateful to the institution for allowing me to develop my professional skills."

A native of upstate New York, Mudge is a veteran of the United States Navy. He lives in Groton with his wife, Francine, also an employee of Ithaca College, and his two children, Matthew and Kimberly, both students at Groton High School.

Mudge succeeds Marian Brown, who left for a position with Purchasenet.com, an online service linking higher education buyers and suppliers.