After 18 years working for Syracuse University, David Potter, associate dean for student services in The College of Arts and Sciences is stepping down to take on a new role.

Potter will transfer from full-time associate dean to a part-time position in which he will continue to provide academic and advising support to the college and the university as a whole, effective June 30, 2008.

Potter, who currently supervises advising and counseling services, career exploration, pre-professional advising and the students records office has been called a wise, caring and humorous addition to the college’s administrative staff.

‘I suppose the way most people do, I’d been thinking about (leaving) for a number of years,’ Potter said. ‘First of all, I’m in my 74th year, I don’t have the kind of energy I (once) had. I also felt that having been in office for essentially 11 years and working for the university for 18, it was about time to have somebody new come in.’

In addition to his position as associate dean, Potter has served as a member of Dean Cathryn Newton’s cabinet helping to solve critical problems facing both the college and Syracuse University.

Potter’s decision makes him the second administrator in The College of Arts and Sciences to step down this year. In August, Dean Newton announced she would be leaving her position to take up the newly created title of Professor of Interdisciplinary Sciences.

Two experienced, high ranking administrators shifting positions in the same year is sure to have an effect on the college – the degree of which has yet to be determined.

Potter acknowledges an uncertainty surrounding the change in leadership, but affirmed that he will leave behind a capable staff and successor.

‘I believe I’ve hired some exceptional people to be the unit directors so that the division will operate very well and very consistently when the new person gets here,’ he said.

Newton has known Potter since 1992, and she said his change of position is no trivial adjustment for either the college or the university.

‘These will be very large shoes to fill. Dave has really defined the position in some pretty important ways,’ she said. ‘He’s reframed the student services division to give it really dramatically expanded opportunities for students to come in for different kinds of advising – academic, career and pre-professional.’

Potter has played an influential role in many university committees such as SU’s Academic Coordinating Committee, the University Appeals Board, the Institutional Animal Care and Use committee and the Senate Committee on Women’s Concerns. He also represents The College of Arts and Sciences in the new Committee on Academic Integrity.

Potter will remain involved in these committees in his reduced capacity, though more of his time will be focused on other responsibilities he enjoys, namely advising.

Kalpana Srinivas, a current assistant chancellor, has worked with Potter for six years. Srinivas said he personally encouraged her to get a master’s degree and then pursue her doctorate.

‘He was one of those few bosses who literally likes to see you advance, and in different ways, he showcases you and gives you opportunities. If he sees you kind of straying, he nudges you back on track, she said. ‘(Potter) was always willing to listen. He definitely is one of the reasons I’m working here today.’

Colleagues of Potter, such as Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Barry Wells have noticed Potter’s profound influence on the SU community as well.

‘Dean Potter’s record of achievement at Syracuse University has been noteworthy,’ Wells said. ‘And in my opinion, his impact has been nothing short of spectacular.’

Wells said Potter’s imprint has been especially noticeable in efforts to support students. ‘He has demonstrated a caring attitude, wisdom, initiative and a willingness to get the job done no matter how difficult.’

Prior to his current position, Potter worked as director of The College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising and Counseling Services. Before coming to Syracuse, Potter worked as an adviser at University of Iowa and as dean and vice president of Haverford College.

He has taught at Kennett High School and the Devereux School. Additionally, Potter has served as director of the American Conference of academic Deans and as vice chair of trustees at William Penn Charter School.

Newton said the details surrounding the search committee and its members will be announced later in the week. She said that while the search will begin promptly, there’s no definite end-point.

Newton said Potter’s national reputation will mean an enhanced applicant pool. ‘He built a lot of value into the position, and it makes it a better job to have,’ she said.

Potter reflected on his 11 years as associate dean while maintaining excitement for his future at SU.

‘It truly has been a joy to do the work that I’ve been able to do. I think I may have been able to make some contributions along the way, and I really enjoy working with my colleagues,’ he said. ‘The great thing about a university is there are always new questions new problems, and I expect to continue to explore them.’

Published on November 26, 2007 at 12:00 pm