MCC Daily Tribune
Robert Muhlnickel to Serve as Faculty Marshal at 2026 MCC Commencement
Monroe Community College is proud to announce that Dr. Robert Muhlnickel, Professor of Philosophy, will serve as Faculty Marshal for the 2026 Commencement ceremony. In this role, he will represent the faculty as macebearer and lead the faculty processional.
Dr. Muhlnickel has been a member of the MCC faculty since 2009 and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 2019. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Rochester, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from SUNY Buffalo, and both a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology, magna cum laude, from St. Bernard’s Seminary. His academic work focuses on ethical theory, social and political philosophy, and practical ethics.
At MCC, Bob has consistently contributed to both the academic core and the broader intellectual life of the College. He has served as Philosophy Coordinator and as Coordinator of the Honors Institute, and he currently leads the Institute for the Humanities. Across these roles, his work has centered on creating structured opportunities for students and faculty to engage with complex questions—ethical, social, and global—in ways that are rigorous yet accessible.
Through the Institute for the Humanities, Bob has coordinated a series of high-impact events that connect MCC to the broader community. These have included lectures, staged readings, and panel discussions on topics such as medical ethics, grief, and global philosophy, often in partnership with organizations such as the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and the Community College Humanities Association. This work has expanded the reach of the humanities at MCC, reinforcing their relevance to contemporary issues.
Bob has also contributed to institutional priorities in teaching and learning. Through his work with the Teaching and Creativity Center (TCC), he has supported faculty development, contributed to program planning, and helped advance the TCC badging program. In his own teaching, he has integrated deliberative dialogue as a core practice—building students’ capacity for critical thinking, listening, and engagement.
He has also taken a practical approach to supporting student well-being. In response to the need for additional mental health supports on campus, he undertook the training and certification of a therapy dog, Shannon, with the intention of making that resource available to the MCC community.
Before joining MCC, Bob held a range of professional roles in social work and mental health, including leadership positions at Strong Memorial Hospital and other community-based organizations. That experience continues to inform his work with students, particularly in areas related to ethics, care, and human development.
Bob’s contributions reflect a consistent focus on substance—on strengthening academic engagement, expanding access to the humanities, and supporting students in meaningful ways. As Faculty Marshal, he represents the depth of faculty commitment to teaching, learning, and the student experience at MCC.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Muhlnickel on this well-deserved honor as he leads the faculty processional at the 2026 Commencement.
Michael Jacobs
Academic and Student Affairs
05/22/2026