“I have spoken with SUNY administration officials regarding the
recent resignation of President John Schwaller from SUNY Potsdam. I have been assured that no decision has been
made to proceed with a shared presidency for SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton. On another positive note, I have been advised
that the collaboration between the two campuses to find ways to save money and
drive funding dollars towards student services is working well, and there
is optimism about that collaboration moving forward.
“While the departure of President Schwaller may lead to
concerns that there is an opportunity to implement a shared presidency, the
noteworthy cost sharing progress the two colleges have made without sharing a
president provide ample strength to support the argument in favor of continuing
that process with separate presidents. I
have again expressed my desire to maintain separate presidents to SUNY
administration officials. I also asked
that a decision about the future of leadership at SUNY Potsdam be made sooner
rather than later, even though the timing of President Schwaller’s announcement
is so recent. Our community has
experienced a significant amount of turmoil regarding the two campuses. Having a seamless transition that will
provide greater stability moving forward is extremely important.”
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