POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam will inaugurate its 18th president, Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. is expected to attend the ceremony, along with several elected officials and their representatives, and delegates from colleges and universities from across the country.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the free event as well. RSVP to attend the inauguration by visiting www.potsdam.edu/inauguration .

The ceremony will include special musical selections, including a processional and recessional led by the Crane Faculty Reed Quintet, and a commemorative work performed by acclaimed soprano Lisa Vroman '79.

The student performers of the LoKo Arts Festival Broadway Showcase will also present a piece during the installation ceremony, which will stream live online at www.potsdam.edu/inauguration.

Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a campus celebration at 3 p.m. in the Robert and Beverly Washburn Rehearsal Room, also at The Crane School of Music.

Dr. Suzanne Smith is SUNY Potsdam's 18th president, and joined the campus in April 2023. She was appointed to the position by the SUNY Board of Trustees at the recommendation of Chancellor Dr. John B. King Jr. following a nationwide search.

Smith came to SUNY Potsdam from Georgia Southwestern State University where she had served as provost and vice president for academic affairs since 2018.

Prior to GSW, Smith served at Washington State University Vancouver from 1997 to 2018, ultimately being named the director of academic planning and special assistant to the vice chancellor of academic affairs.

As a professor, Smith has more than 25 years of experience in sociology and human development.

She has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and has written numerous journal articles and books, including her latest co-authored textbook, "Exploring Family Theories" (5th Ed), published in 2021. Smith is an active member of the National Council of Family Relations and the Family Science Association.