POTSDAM -- Clarkson University President Tony Collins has been named chair of the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU).

The AITU is an organization of leading private American technological universities and colleges whose mission is to play a vital role in securing the future of American competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“This is a critical time for institutions like Clarkson and our AITU peers to help our nation step-up STEM education across the country so students can develop scientific knowledge as well as analytical thinking and problem-solving skills," said Collins. "We join members of AITU to expand our K-12 outreach during this COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, we need to advance knowledge and apply our expertise in science, technology and other areas of scholarship, research, and innovation that will serve our country and solve the issues our global community face today.”

Dr. Collins has served as Clarkson’s 16th president since 2003. He is a regional and national advocate for higher education - industrial partnerships that couple research discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise for commercialization and economic development with a focus on advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental technology innovation.

He is a member of New York's Reimagining Education Task Force to assist schools and higher education institutions adopt technological innovations to open safely in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emeritus chair of New York's Commission for Independent Colleges and Universities. He also serves on the board of the Business Council of New York State.