Recently appointed the eleventh president of Carleton College, Steven G. Poskanzer, will deliver a special convocation at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, in the Skinner Memorial Chapel on the Carleton campus. Entitled “Setting Prairie Fires,” Poskanzer’s address will highlight the experiences that have led him to his current position, providing a unique perspective with which to serve as the new president of Carleton College. Poskanzer’s presentation is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception on the campus Bald Spot.
Described by Carleton College Board of Trustees chair, Jack Eugster, as a man who effuses a rare combination of “intellect, wit, and a passion for the liberal arts,” Poskanzer has served leadership roles at both public and private institutions of higher education for over a decade before assuming his new role at Carleton on August 2. Poskanzer’s presentation is a prelude to his official inauguration and installation on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Originally hailing from central New York, Poskanzer graduated cum laude from Princeton University in 1980, where he majored in International Relations with a concentration in African Studies. He later received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1983, before launching his career in higher education.
Following a four-year appointment as the chief of staff to the president at the University of Chicago for four years, Poskanzer served for the past 12 years in the SUNY system—the New York state system of higher education comprised of over 64 campuses. Prior to his final two years working as head of the office of academic affairs, Poskanzer also held associate and senior associate provost positions in the main SUNY office. He became vice provost for academic affairs in 2000 before moving to the SUNY-New Paltz campus in October 2001 as that institution’s president, serving first on an interim basis before being named to the position permanently in 2003.
The institution experienced visible growth and transformation under Poskanzer’s leadership; four-and six-year graduation rates rose nearly 20 percent, and $94 million in additional capital was appropriated which allowed for numerous renovations, as well as the erection of a new science center. His efforts were recognized in a front-page story in the New York Times that addressed the growing selectivity and quality of the college in 2009 under Poskanzer’s direction.
For more information regarding the convocation, including disability accommodations, please contact the Director of Events, Kerry Raadt, in the Office of College Relations at (507) 222-4308.