St. Cloud State University President Earl H. Potter III passed away June 13, 2016. In honor of his death, St. Cloud State students and staff and St. Cloud community leaders gathered at a press conference the next day. MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone opened with words of condolence to Potter’s family and friends.

Following Rosenstone’s speech, Acting President (at the time) Ashish Vaidya, Mayor Dave Kleis and SCSU Student President Mikaela Johnson also shared their thoughts and personal stories of Potter’s legacy.

During his tenure, Potter oversaw the building of the Integrated Science and Engineering laboratory Facility (ISELF) and Coborn Plaza Apartments on the SCSU campus. He also sought improvements to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center and renovation of Case-Hill Residence Hall.

President Earl H. Potter III held a doctorate in organizational psychology and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Washington. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Williams College. From 1969-1993, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired at the rank of captain.

Potter was 69 when he died. He is survived by his wife, Christine Potter, children and grandchildren.

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