SUNY Potsdam Celebrates Inauguration of President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. presided over the installation ceremony, draping the medallion over Smith’s shoulders, to signify her leadership at the College.

“Thank you all so much for having me at one of my favorite sorts of SUNY events, a presidential inauguration. And I must tell you I may never attend one more fitted to the contours of my heart than the investiture of Suzanne R. Smith as the 18th president of SUNY Potsdam, the system’s oldest college and a treasured jewel in New York’s higher education crown,” King said. “This college is 208 years old. If you asked me for a recipe for another 208 years of success, I’d say creative faculty and staff, passionate alumni, a supportive community and of course, phenomenal students—but then I would add, simply but crucially, Suzanne Smith. She is laying the groundwork for a fantastic next 208 years.”

Serving as emcee of the ceremony, College Council Chair June O’Neill (Hon. ’99) opened her remarks by singing a few lines of “Matchmaker” from “The Fiddler on the Roof,” as she shared how finding Dr. Smith felt like finding the perfect match to lead the campus. O’Neill chaired the Presidential Search Committee—her third time doing so—and said she was struck by how quickly Smith fell in love with the campus, and vice versa.

“I think you’ll all agree that Suzanne is exactly the right person at the right time for us here in Potsdam, and considering that this was an ‘arranged marriage’ after all, Suzanne and her family—and the dogs—have merged seamlessly into our Potsdam family,” O’Neill said. “Thank you for taking on this challenge and leading us onward and upward.”

The commemorative readings included a poem, “Lessons from Dogs,” read by Dr. Smith’s long-time friend and former colleague Jane Lanigan, and a short fable inspired by Winnie the Pooh read by Smith’s spouse, Brett Lloyd. The celebration reflected Smith’s values and commitment to building an inclusive campus community.

“It’s this sense of community that makes a campus successful, and here at SUNY Potsdam we have created a community that can best be described as ‘special,’ … and this is one of the many things that drew Brett and I here to begin with. As we move forward, and elevate our engagement both on campus and in our region, we will seek to engage all of those who love this campus,” Smith said.

The ceremony included greetings from members of the campus and community, as well as musical selections by the Crane Faculty Reed Quintet, a showstopper by alumna Lisa Vroman ’79 and an excerpt from the student-directed LoKo Broadway Showcase. 

“This institution has always been a catalyst, an engine that has produced opportunities in education, culture, and employment for the people of Potsdam and the surrounding communities. Their fortunes were ever converging, and now, they are entwined. … President Smith, your inauguration today is a catalyst for new endeavors. Every citizen of Potsdam and the North Country wishes you great success as you accept this mantle of leadership today,” said New York State Assemblymember Scott Gray in prepared remarks shared during the ceremony.

Potsdam College Foundation President Amy Kellogg ’99 said: “As SUNY Potsdam enters its next chapter, private fundraising will be imperative, and to help with these efforts, we need a great leader—and I have seen firsthand that Dr. Smith is that great leader. She came to Potsdam knowing that there were challenges that would need to be immediately met, and she faced them head-on with determination, purpose, and most importantly, humility.”

SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association President Peter Galloway ’83 pointed out that Dr. Smith had set an example by integrating herself and her loved ones into the SUNY Potsdam family in meaningful ways. 

“She has traveled the state and country, meeting with alums and other friends of the College to share her commitment to the success of the institution,” Galloway said. “However, perhaps even more telling, is the time she and her husband Brett have taken to engage with group after group of current students… not only by attending student performances and athletic events, but also by bringing them into their home for a meal (and some quality time with the dogs as well). These efforts will not only strengthen the feeling of connectedness for these students while they are undergraduates, but also create the foundation of lifelong belonging as they leave Potsdam for the next chapter in their lives.”

Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Gregory Gardner, a professor of business administration, said: “You and I both started our terms at almost the same time, and, during that time, I have found you to be a leader of strength, honor and compassion. You accepted the role of our President at a time when you knew we were facing turmoil and difficult change on our campus, and it speaks clearly to your strength of character that you chose to assume the tremendous responsibilities of your position. Others might have walked away, choosing a safer and easier path, but you did not. Thanks for that.”

Student Government Association President Kylie Wilkins ’24 embraced Dr. Smith and told her that she looks up to her as a role model, and calculated that with the number of groups she has hosted, that a quarter of the student body had attended an event at the President’s House already.

“President Smith has brought joy to our campus that I have not seen in a long time. I am so grateful she takes the time to come to student events and interact with students in the kindest and most genuine way,” Wilkins said. “I have been so happy to see strong leadership on our campus, and I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work with her. Welcome, President Smith. I can't wait for the future you will lead our campus into!”

CSEA Local 613 President Lynne Durant, an administrative assistant 2 for the Division of Campus Life, shared how Dr. Smith went out of her way to meet with clerical and trades staff, from the heating plant to grounds and custodial staff, to understand their critical roles and needs in supporting the campus.

“Dr. Smith has stated that she believes that every member of campus contributes to the student experience. Suzanne not only believes this, but she embodies this sentiment,” Durant said. “She truly celebrates every individual’s role on campus and strives to be inclusive of all members of campus.”

“The Town and Village of Potsdam need SUNY Potsdam, and SUNY Potsdam needs the village and town. We all have the same goal: to see students come to Potsdam for a quality education, both in the classroom and in life. We want to offer them an experience off campus to make them want to call Potsdam their home,” said Town Supervisor Marty Miller.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception in the Washburn Rehearsal Room. President Smith will spend the weekend as she has spent her whole inauguration week—taking part in events across campus, such as throwing the first pitch at a Potsdam Bears softball game, bringing her furry friends to Doggy Destress Day and conducting a piece during the Crane Wind Ensemble concert.

The ceremony recording is available on YouTube. For more information on President Smith and her inauguration, visit www.potsdam.edu/inauguration.

About SUNY Potsdam: 
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.