SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith will spend the week leading up to her inauguration celebrating student success — in the audience at Crane School of Music concerts, in the stands at Potsdam Bears games, and along with furry friends at the campus Doggy De-Stress Day.

It’s a fitting lead-up to her installation as the eighteenth President of SUNY Potsdam, which is centered around a theme of “Elevating Engagement.”

Dr. Smith has made it a focus of her leadership to bring people together around common goals, and to connect with members of the campus and community from all walks of life.

She and her family have hosted more than 40 dinners at the President’s House so far, along with sledding parties on the hill leading from the residence down toward the Raquette River.

Preserving relationships
“I love to hear from students, past and present, about what drew them to SUNY Potsdam and this beautiful corner of the world. Without fail, they talk about the relationships they have built here, finding mentors and friends for life,” Smith said.

“As I approach my inauguration as President of SUNY Potsdam, preserving this experience and making sure it is accessible to others is at the forefront of my mind.”

Dr. Smith joined the campus in April 2023, following a nationwide search.

She comes 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, first on the faculty and later in administration.

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.”

Chancellor King to attend
The inaugural celebration will be held on Friday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m., in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at Crane.

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

The theme of Dr. Smith’s inauguration is “Elevating Engagement,” focusing on celebrating every role, fostering inclusion and crafting our legacy together as a campus community.
All are welcome to join in the festivities, which are free and open to the public

The inauguration 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.

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

To learn more about the inaugural events and to find the program and livestream link, visit www.potsdam.edu/inauguration.

This article original appeared as a sponsored "Spotlight" page in this week's editions of North Country This Week.