POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam President John Schwaller says his focus will remain the quality of the offerings at the college as he and SUNY Canton President Joseph Kennedy begin finding ways to share and use the resources at both schools to their mutual benefit.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher announced Tuesday that President Kennedy will retire at the end of the 2011-12 academic year, and then be appointed as a special advisor to SUNY, concentrating on shared services.

“Dr. Kennedy and I have been charged with working collaboratively over the next year on a plan to implement broad shared services while enhancing the academic resources and opportunities for students at both campuses,” Schwaller said.

“First and foremost, I want you to know my number one priority is a steadfast commitment to the exceptional student experience offered at SUNY Potsdam. I am focused on protecting and enhancing our academic tradition, which has been our strength for nearly 200 years now. This dedication to the mission will always remain the focus as the college navigates the study process and moves forward,” the college’s president said.

“The possibility of aligning administrative resources at our two unique and diverse campuses has been studied for years, and we are willing to once again partner with SUNY Canton to investigate the options for sharing services,” he said.

Acknowledging the uncertainty that the plan has engendered, Schwaller said, “It is simply too early to speculate about what any outcomes might be from this process, as we do not know the scope or specifics of the initiative yet.”

Schwaller said Chancellor Zimpher assured SUNY presidents that campuses will be consulted before any decisions are made by SUNY System Administration in Albany.