Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Russell Statement on SUNY decision not to have shared presidents at Canton and Potsdam

Today, the SUNY Board of Trustees has unanimously passed a resolution that essentially directs both presidents of SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton to work together toward a goal of increasing the percentage of funds devoted to instruction and academic services.  The Board has decided not to make a decision on whether a single president should serve both campuses. Instead, it will reserve that decision based upon consideration of a joint report from presidents Kennedy and Schwaller which is due on March 30, 2012. 

As I have stated in the past, I have been working with SUNY on almost a daily basis and have urged them to allow both Presidents to remain and work on the issue of shared services.  I am very pleased that my input has been taken seriously and that the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees have acted in this manner.  I believe that both campuses will benefit from a full analysis by the Presidents and that the goal of shifting funds from administration to instruction and academic services will be met.