SUNY Canton educates many North Country residents, is a large employer and major component
of the fabric of Canton and the entire St. Lawrence County community. The sudden revelations
that the president of SUNY Canton, Dr. Joseph Kennedy, is leaving are concerning. Sudden
changes of this magnitude result in confusion, lack of confidence, can have a negative effect on
support from private sources, result in the loss of momentum for great initiatives and can end up
costing more money, not to mention the potential loss of talent at the college.
“The rumors of Dr. Kennedy’s departure are of great concern to me. I have worked with him for
several years now, and know how talented he is and of his tremendous record of positive growth at
the college,” Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said. “I support SUNY’s efforts to find internal
efficiencies and save money,” she added. “However, I find the suggestion made by the Canton
College Council to form a committee to study the areas where the campuses can share services or
coordinate more efficiently to be very reasonable,” she stated.
Assemblywoman Russell has been in contact with SUNY’s administration to voice these concerns.
“I have been assured by SUNY that there have been no final decisions made regarding how the
campuses will be tasked with finding ways to work together and cut costs – everything is said to be
on the table for discussion,” she relayed. “SUNY welcomed my comments and point of view, and I
am pleased and grateful that they were receptive,” she said. “I advised them that Dr. Kennedy is an
outstanding president, and that I hoped he would continue to be the president of SUNY Canton,”
said Russell. The assemblywoman will continue a dialogue with SUNY to provide the North
Country’s perspective and concerns to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
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