Biography
Dr. Earl H. Potter III became St. Cloud State University’s 22nd president on July 1, 2007.
Since then, he has established himself as a leader who envisions a stronger, more robust relationship between St. Cloud the university and St. Cloud the community. He sees a future in which St. Cloud State University is a driving force for progress and problem solving in Central Minnesota and a source of great pride for the region.
“We will transform the relationship between our university and our city, reshaping the physical interface between the two and creating an outward-focused campus that enhances—not merely inhabits—the city of St. Cloud. In the end, both entities will become more attractive to the people of Central Minnesota and beyond.”
President Potter was attracted to Minnesota’s second largest university because it offers an affordable, high-quality education and well-rounded college experience for students who hail from Minnesota and around the world. With his leadership and a strong commitment to student success, academic distinction, global education, diversity and community partnerships, St. Cloud State will move forward as the flagship of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Earl H. Potter III came to St. Cloud State University from Southern Oregon University where he had served as executive vice president and provost. He also has held academic administrative positions at Eastern Michigan University, Lesley University, Cornell University, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He has also served as a fellow for the American Council on Education in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Colorado.
President Potter holds a Ph.D. in organizational psychology and a master’s degree in psychology, both from the University of Washington; and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Williams College. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969-93 and retired at the rank of captain. He and his wife, Christine Marshall Potter, have two sons and two daughters living in the Northwest.
