Dr. Earl W. MacArthur

CANTON — SUNY Canton President Emeritus Dr. Earl W. MacArthur passed away on Wednesday, according to his family members. The well-respected former college leader was 98 years old.

“It is with great sadness that I am letting you know of the passing of my grandfather, and former SUNY Canton President Dr. Earl MacArthur. He passed away this morning, September 2, 2026,” said Shane MacArthur, an Instructional Support Associate in the Canino School of Engineering Technology. “His 20-year tenure as President of the College was extremely meaningful to him, and he truly enjoyed leading this campus. He was very proud that he knew the names of every employee and as many students as possible, all of whom he would meet on his daily walks through campus. Even in his later years, he was always asking how the campus was and was always interested in knowing how the College was pushing forward. May he be remembered for the good he did, and the people he helped along the way.”

Following the MacArthur family’s announcement, several key members of the extended college community sent in their fond remembrances and condolences.

"Dr. MacArthur's leadership will always be remembered in the developing history of SUNY Canton,” former College Council Chair and Alumnus Ronald O’Neill said. “During his two decades as President, he championed initiatives that expanded opportunities for students, strengthened the College Foundation for future growth, and advanced a vision of education that transformed lives. His commitment to this institution never wavered, nor did his belief in the faculty, staff and students at the College. I extend our deepest condolences to the MacArthur family and all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Dr. MacArthur was the President from 1972 until 1992. Among his accomplishments, he established the Canton College Foundation, Inc. and led the organization to its first $1 million in donations. He also established the Office of Sponsored Research.

He was an advocate for the Educational Opportunity Program and computer literacy. He placed a strong emphasis on student services and career placement, supporting efforts that helped establish the College's reputation for successful graduate employment, which remains a key element of SUNY Canton’s modern identity.

"Dr. MacArthur was the finest president I had the privilege of working for,” said former Facilities Plant Director John Goetze. "His leadership was defined by accountability, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the College. He addressed challenges directly, empowered others to achieve results, and was unwavering in his support of those working to advance the institution. You always knew he would be there when strong leadership was needed."

Dr. MacArthur received the College Council’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 2005, and he and his wife, Joyce, were inducted into the inaugural class of the College’s Hall of Fame in 2011.

"Dr. MacArthur was one of SUNY Canton’s most devoted ambassadors,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “His love for this College was evident in every conversation. He took pride in knowing members of the campus community by name and remained deeply interested in the College's future long after he retired. We are grateful for his service, his leadership, and his unwavering belief in the potential of SUNY Canton."

He returned to campus numerous times for special events. He was a featured speaker during SUNY Canton’s 2018 Alumni Weekend and 50 Years on the Hill celebration, where he reflected on the College’s history. His legacy continues to be recognized on campus, specifically at MacArthur Hall, which was named in honor of the former President.

A celebration of life for the former College President will be held at a later date. SUNY Canton plans to lower the college flag to coincide with that event. More information will be relayed as it becomes available.