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SUNY Potsdam Welcomes James M. Cruikshank '92 & '97 as Interim Dean of The School of Education & Professional Studies

SUNY Potsdam Alumnus James M. Cruikshank '92 & '97 Returns to School of Education and Professional Studies as Interim Dean

Potsdam, NY (07/08/2025) — SUNY Potsdam is proud to announce the appointment of James M. Cruikshank '92 & '97 as interim dean of The School of Education and Professional Studies. A seasoned educational leader and proud alumnus, Cruikshank assumed the new role on July 2, following his recent retirement as superintendent of Norwood-Norfolk Central School.

"It is a privilege to assume the role of interim dean of The School of Education and Professional Studies at my alma mater. I am dedicated to overseeing the School's undergraduate and graduate programs, and am committed to upholding its long legacy. It's my desire to ensure our programs continue to prepare students for professions in the global economy, consistent with SUNY Potsdam's strategic vision to innovate, inspire, and have a lasting impact," Cruikshank said.

As interim dean, he will oversee the School's nationally-recognized undergraduate and graduate programs in teacher education, business administration, and public health and human performance. Cruikshank takes on the role following the departure of Dr. Allen C. Grant, who recently accepted a position at Louisiana State University - Shreveport.

"Jamie Cruikshank has deep roots as a proud SUNY Potsdam alumnus, along with a wealth of experience as an educational leader and community partner. We are thrilled to welcome him back to campus to lead The School of Education and Professional Studies," said President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith. "We are confident that Jamie's leadership will strengthen our programs and inspire the next generation of educators and professionals."

Cruikshank holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdepartmental natural science and education, and a Master of Science in Education degree in elementary education from SUNY Potsdam, as well as a Master of Education degree and certificate in educational leadership from St. Lawrence University.

He began his career as a middle school mathematics and science teacher at Potsdam Central School, before moving on to teach high school math at the same district. Cruikshank took on increasing leadership roles, first serving as director of athletics and then high school dean of students, before being named the principal of Potsdam Middle School, where he served until 2013.

At Norwood-Norfolk, Cruikshank managed a $30 million budget and oversaw 200 employees serving approximately 1,000 students for the past 12 years. He oversaw multiple capital improvement projects totaling $24 million, and provided regional leadership on numerous committees. Most recently, he chaired the Prevention Education and Community Empowerment (PEACE) Drug Free Communities Coalition, served as the Section X representative on the executive committee for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), and was a member of the policy board for the St. Lawrence Valley Teachers' Learning Center. Cruikshank previously served as an adjunct professor in St. Lawrence's education leadership program, was a member of the New York State Middle School Association (NYSMSA) board of directors, and served as a Schools to Watch evaluator for the New York State Department of Education and NYSMSA.

At SUNY Potsdam, Cruikshank has served as a member of the Teacher Education Advisory Council, the CAEP Accreditation Committee, and the Educational Leadership Advisory Board. He has also spoken on numerous panels, seminars and classes to guide future educators in the field.

An active and engaged community member, Cruikshank has coached both basketball and soccer at the youth and high school levels, and has been involved with the Norwood Kiwanis Club, among many other organizations. He resides in Hannawa Falls with his wife, Kate.

The School of Education and Professional Studies at SUNY Potsdam has been preparing educators for more than 200 years. The College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Today, that legacy of educational excellence also stretches to undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, public health and human performance, to help students prepare for professions in the global economy. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS.

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.

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James M. Cruikshank ’92 & ’97 is the interim dean of SUNY Potsdam’s School of Education and Professional Studies.

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