SUNY Potsdam Welcomes Dr. Andrew M. Mast as Dean of The Crane School of Music
Dr. Andrew M. Mast to Lead SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music
Potsdam, NY (07/29/2026) — SUNY Potsdam is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew M. Mast as the new dean of The Crane School of Music, overseeing its renowned programs and continuing the tradition of innovation that stretches back to Crane's founding in 1886. A seasoned educator and experienced conductor, Mast assumed the new role on July 6.
"It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Dean of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I look forward to building on the incredible foundation that Crane's past and current students and faculty have created to take this amazing institution into its promising future," Mast said.
Mast comes to Crane from Lawrence University, where he most recently served as associate dean of the Conservatory of Music. In this role, he worked to enhance academic excellence, advance student success, and encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. He was also the Kimberly-Clark Professor of Music and director of bands at Lawrence. Prior to becoming associate dean, Mast served as department chair for large ensembles and music education. Among other accomplishments in this role, he led the conservatory's successful reaccreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music, served on the academic program review task force and spearheaded strategic initiatives.
Mast earned both his Bachelor of Music degree and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Iowa, and completed his Master of Arts degree at the University of Minnesota. He began his career as a band director at middle/secondary schools in Iowa and Minnesota, before joining the faculty at St. Ambrose University, later chairing the music department there before his move to Lawrence. At Lawrence, he directed the nationally recognized Lawrence Wind Ensemble at invited performances across the country. Additionally, Mast is highly engaged with the American Bandmasters Association, where he has chaired the educational projects committee.
"The Crane School of Music has earned a national reputation for excellence over nearly 140 years, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Mast to lead Crane into its next chapter as its new dean," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith. "Dr. Mast's distinguished career reflects the values that define Crane -- creativity, collaboration and innovation. I am confident that his leadership will strengthen Crane's impact and inspire the next generation of musicians, educators, creative entrepreneurs and artists."
As he joins The Crane School of Music, Mast is focused on broadening and strengthening his understanding of the strengths and opportunities of Crane and SUNY Potsdam through conversations with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. He looks forward to helping the Crane community build on its strengths while finding new strengths and areas of focus.
To learn more about SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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Dr. Andrew M. Mast is the new dean of SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.