SUNY Potsdam

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Potsdam Names Dr. Susan L. Perkins '93 as College's Next Provost

Alumna Dr. Susan L. Perkins '93 Named to Lead SUNY Potsdam Division of Academic Affairs, as Next Provost at her Alma Mater

Potsdam, NY (02/26/2025) — Following a national search, SUNY Potsdam has named Dr. Susan L. Perkins '93 as the institution's next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The SUNY Potsdam alumna is a microbiologist with expertise on protozoan parasites that cause malaria, and is set to join campus this summer.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Susan Perkins back to the SUNY Potsdam family, this time as a member of our leadership team. Her extensive experience in both academia and research, combined with her deep connection to our community, makes her an exceptional choice for this role," said President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith. "Susan's dedication to excellence and her innovative approach to scientific inquiry will undoubtedly inspire our students and faculty alike. We look forward to the many contributions she will bring to our academic programs and the broader campus community."

In addition to her impressive background in higher education and research, Perkins has deep ties to the SUNY Potsdam community. She grew up visiting campus frequently along with her mother, Nancy, who was a 31-year staff member at the College. Later, Perkins attended Potsdam herself, earning a bachelor's degree in biology, while also being a member of the equestrian team, presenting research at chemistry conferences, and serving as the sports information director as a student.

"I am truly honored and excited to return to my alma mater as SUNY Potsdam's next provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. This institution has been a meaningful part of my life since the day I was born, and I look forward to collaborating with President Smith, the leadership team, our exceptional faculty, dedicated staff, and, most importantly, our incredible students. Together, we will continue to build on SUNY Potsdam's legacy as a unique, vibrant and transformative institution," Perkins said.

After beginning her graduate work at the University of Maryland at College Park, Perkins went on to complete her Ph.D. at the University of Vermont, focusing on ecology and evolution. She completed prestigious Roosevelt and National Science Foundation Bioinformatics postdoctoral fellowships at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. After a stint as an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Perkins returned to the American Museum of Natural History in 2004, where she was curator and professor of microbial genomics for 15 years, teaching in the AMNH Richard Gilder Graduate School, and contributing to major exhibitions. She was also a program director for the NSF's Division of Environmental Biology, Systematics and Biodiversity Science Cluster, and has served as president of the American Society of Parasitologists.

In 2020, she was named the Martin and Michele Cohen Dean of Science at The City College of New York (CUNY), where she oversees the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Physics. She has implemented a new postbaccalaureate certificate program for pre-health career changers, shepherded a new program in digital game design, and developed new student mentoring and advising programs.

In service to her alma mater, Perkins has been a member of the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association Board of Trustees for the past five years.

Perkins will succeed Dr. Alan Hersker, who had served as interim provost since Fall 2022, and had previously been the assistant vice president for academic affairs and director of graduate and continuing education. The search was chaired by Assistant Provost Dr. Gordon Pledge, leading a committee representing all areas of campus.

To learn more about academics at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

###

Media Attachments

Dr. Susan L. Perkins ’93 has been appointed the next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Potsdam.

Following a national search, SUNY Potsdam has named Dr. Susan L. Perkins ’93 as the institution’s next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out