SUNY Sullivan formally inaugurated Dr. David Potash as its eighth president on Thursday, October 23, in a distinguished academic ceremony that affirmed the college’s mission and celebrated its commitment to regional prosperity. The investiture, held in the Seelig Theatre, brought together a broad coalition of state and local leaders, SUNY representatives, faculty, staff, students, and community members.
The ceremony highlighted Dr. Potash’s vision for advancing student opportunity, academic excellence, and community engagement throughout Sullivan County and the broader Catskills region.
The event featured a distinguished roster of speakers, including SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King Jr., SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Nancy Hackett, and local and regional government representatives such as State Senator Peter Oberacker (R-51st District), State Assemblymember Paula Kay (D-100th District), and Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz.
“Today we celebrate not only the installation of a new president, but also the renewal of our shared mission—to empower students, strengthen communities, and shape a sustainable future for Sullivan County and beyond,” said Dr. Hackett.
In a strong display of inter-campus support, the leadership of several fellow SUNY institutions—including SUNY Brockport, Columbia-Greene Community College, SUNY Dutchess, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Niagara, North Country Community College, SUNY Oneonta, Orange County Community College, Rockland Community College, and SUNY Old Westbury—were also in attendance.
“The inauguration ceremony was a profoundly moving affirmation of the powerful partnership between SUNY Sullivan and the community we serve,” said President Potash. “I am deeply honored to officially begin my tenure and look forward to working collaboratively to achieve our shared vision for student success and regional prosperity.”
Dr. David Potash is a nationally recognized higher education leader and historian with a proven record of driving student success. Before joining SUNY Sullivan, he served as president of Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, where he earned accolades like the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement for achieving significant gains in student engagement, retention, and completion. His extensive career also includes leadership roles at Curry College and a decade with the City University of New York (CUNY) at both Baruch and Hunter Colleges, consistently focusing on strengthening enrollment, improving support systems, and enhancing graduation outcomes.
SUNY Chancellor King said, “Dr. Potash’s transformational leadership and deep commitment to the SUNY community has already made an incredible impact on SUNY Sullivan’s faculty, staff, and students. Since arriving last summer, he has strengthened partnerships with local schools, brought renewed energy and optimism to campus, and inspired students and staff alike with his vision for growth and connection. I look forward to working with him as we bring this campus to new heights.”
Dr. Potash’s administration priorities for SUNY Sullivan include fiscal health and stability, enrollment growth, improved student outcomes, enhanced workforce opportunities, and service to all of Sullivan County. The college is already expanding its position as a regional hub for innovation and workforce development.
The college invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to share their ideas for the future at a Strategic Visioning Event on Tuesday, December 9 at 5 p.m. in Grossinger’s Dining Room on campus. Visit https://sunysullivan.edu/strategic-visioning-event/ for more information.
About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. sunysullivan.edu
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