SUNY Chancellor who visited Potsdam and Canton colleges in September resigning after criticism of Cuomo connections

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras has resigned following an onslaught of criticism related to his ties to disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Malatras’ resignation is effective Jan. 14, he confirmed in his official resignation letter.

Malatras is just the 14th SUNY Chancellor and the first to be a graduate of the system.

Though he did not go into specifics in his letter, Malatras did acknowledge the current political climate played a role in his decision to resign.

“But, the recent events surrounding me over the past week have become a distraction over the important work that needs to be accomplished as SUNY emerges from Covid-

19. I believe deeply in an individual's ability to evolve, change, and grow, but I also believe deeply in SUNY and would never want to be an impediment to its success.

Therefore, please accept my resignation effective January 14, 2022 as SUNY's Chancellor,” he said in the letter.

Malatras has been embroiled in controversy in recent months, most recently for a leaked text message in which he criticized one of the former governor’s accusers who came forward with sexual harassment allegations.

Malatras has served in his current role as Chancellor for just over a year, having assumed the role in Aug. 2020.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who represents St. Lawrence County in the 21st District, today released the following statement after Malatras announced his resignation:

“From the beginning of Cuomo's criminal scandals, I have been the leading voice holding the Worst Governor in America and his entire complicit taxpayer-funded staff accountable. I have been pushing for swift action to purge Cuomo’s circle of corruption from New York including SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras. It is shameful that Governor Hochul failed to publicly call for his resignation.”

Malatras visited both SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton in September.

Malatras also appointed the late Dr. John Graham as officer-in-charge at SUNY Potsdam in June. Graham, who served as SUNY’s student advocate and senior advisor to Malatras, took over management of the campus after former President Kristin Esterberg stepped down in August. Graham passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 27.