Loch Sheldrake, NY – SUNY Sullivan celebrated a significant milestone in its history by warmly welcoming its new president, Dr. David Potash, at a special event Saturday evening. The occasion emphasized the college’s continued commitment to excellence in education, community engagement and outreach by the SUNY Sullivan Foundation.
President Potash expressed his excitement at joining the SUNY Sullivan family. He shared his vision for the college’s future, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and community collaboration.
“I am honored to lead such a vibrant and dedicated community,” said President Potash. “Working together we will build on SUNY Sullivan‘s strong foundation, making sure that our students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
A highlight of the night was the screening of documentary excerpts by award-winning PBS Frontline producers Martin Smith and Marcela Gaviria, that showcased the profound impact of community colleges on individuals and society. These powerful stories underscored the value of accessible, high-quality education and the transformative role that community colleges play in fostering personal and professional growth.
The event was hosted by the SUNY Sullivan Foundation Board and attended by a wide range of Sullivan County community leaders, including members of the college’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and alumni, and other supporters of the college, all of whom expressed their enthusiasm for President Potash’s leadership and the college’s future prospects.
“I want to congratulate the Foundation board for a wonderful night introducing Dr. Potash as our new President,” said Jose Herrera, Chairman of the SUNY Sullivan Foundation Board. “We are very pleased to provide a warm welcome to him and his wife Jenny to the Sullivan family.
SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees Chair Nancy Hackett said, “The board of trustees are so pleased to welcome David Potash to the SUNY Sullivan community. President Potash brings the extensive experience in leadership and guidance that will position our college to continue to flourish. We are encouraged by Dr. Potash’s track record of increased student success and community engagement.”
Dr. Potash assumed the presidency of the college on July 1, 2024, succeeding Officer in Charge Dr. Casey Crabill, who had been in the role since July 25, 2023. The college is grateful to Dr. Crabill for her leadership.
About Dr. David Potash
Dr. David Potash joined Wilbur Wright College as president in 2013, bringing extensive higher education administrative experience to the independently accredited Chicago community college. As president, Dr. Potash guided the 85-year-old Wright to significant increases in student success, new programs and certificates; sustained efforts at equity, community service, civic engagement, career, workforce, and apprenticeships; served the community’s growing Hispanic population; and led the creation of a Center of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science. Wright College received Campus Compact’s Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Institutional Transformation in 2020 and the prestigious Seal from Excelencia in Education in 2021.
Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Academic Officer at Curry College, a four-year institution in Massachusetts, where Potash strengthened faculty development, advanced learning outcomes assessment, and enhanced Curry’s long-standing commitment to pedagogy and serving diverse learners.
He also worked for 10 years in the City University of New York system, where Potash was associate provost and assistant vice president for academic affairs at Hunter College and associate provost at Baruch College. At both institutions he had responsibilities for accreditation, curricula and program development, enrollment, and facilitating student success.
Dr. Potash holds a bachelor of arts from Rice University where he majored in English and philosophy, a master’s of art in history from New York University, and a doctorate in history from Cambridge University. He has taught composition and US history courses. Dr. Potash serves on several advisory boards and is a frequent speaker at conferences and other events.
The SUNY Sullivan Foundation seeks and secures private funds to supplement the college’s public revenue sources. Through ongoing efforts, it provides scholarship assistance, funding for equipment, enrichment programs, and the ability to enhance and strengthen selected academic areas and programs that prepare students for life after formal education. The SUNY Sullivan Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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.
with a Memorable Event