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SUNY Potsdam Names Andrew Mast as Dean of Crane School of Music
On July 6, 2026, the State University of New York at Potsdam announced that Dr. Andrew M. Mast will serve as the new dean of its Crane School of Music. The appointment follows the retirement of longtime dean Michael Sitton in 2020 and the interim leadership of David Heuser.
Mast comes to Potsdam from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, where he was associate dean of the Conservatory of Music. According to the school’s faculty directory, his stated mission as dean is to "engage with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate their learning, well‑being, and personal growth." The appointment was confirmed by the university’s president, Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, who said the school was "delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Mast to lead Crane into its next chapter as its new dean."
The Crane School of Music has experienced a series of leadership changes since Sitton’s retirement. He succeeded an interim dean who had taken over from a dean who served only two years. The school’s succession plan has therefore involved a mix of permanent and interim appointments, with Mast now filling the permanent role.
Founded in 1886, the Crane School of Music is one of three schools that make up SUNY Potsdam. It enrolls roughly 630 undergraduate and 30 graduate students and employs about 70 faculty and staff. The school is housed in the Julia E. Crane Music Center, which contains four buildings that include concert halls, recital spaces, and a music library. Crane is nationally recognized for its classical and opera programs and has produced alumni such as soprano Renee Fleming, mezzo‑soprano Stephanie Blythe, and violinist Lisa Vroman.
The new dean’s appointment comes at a time when the school continues to host more than 300 recitals, lectures, and concerts each year. The school’s website notes that these events feature faculty, students, and guest performers and are a key component of its educational mission.
While no specific policy changes have been announced, the university’s communications suggest that Mast will build on the school’s existing strengths. The president’s statement highlighted the school’s nearly 140‑year legacy of excellence and implied that the new dean will help sustain that reputation.
In addition to its traditional programs, Crane has recently expanded its offerings. A March 2026 announcement detailed the launch of an online option for the school’s education degree, a development that complements the school’s long‑standing summer in‑person program. The online program is intended to broaden access while maintaining the school’s high standards.
Mast’s background in academic leadership and his experience at a conservatory in Wisconsin position him to support both the school’s performance programs and its expanding educational initiatives. The university has not yet outlined a detailed agenda for his tenure, but the appointment signals a commitment to continuity and to maintaining Crane’s status as a leading institution for classical music education.
As of now, Dr. Mast has been in office since July 6, 2026. The Crane School of Music continues to operate its regular schedule of performances, lectures, and student recitals. No immediate changes to curriculum or faculty appointments have been announced, and the school remains focused on delivering a rigorous, performance‑centric education to its students.
The appointment of Andrew Mast marks a new chapter for the Crane School of Music, but the institution’s core mission—to train musicians and music educators—remains unchanged. The school’s leadership will likely continue to emphasize high‑quality instruction, performance opportunities, and community engagement as it moves forward.
Mast comes to Potsdam from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, where he was associate dean of the Conservatory of Music. According to the school’s faculty directory, his stated mission as dean is to "engage with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate their learning, well‑being, and personal growth." The appointment was confirmed by the university’s president, Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, who said the school was "delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Mast to lead Crane into its next chapter as its new dean."
The Crane School of Music has experienced a series of leadership changes since Sitton’s retirement. He succeeded an interim dean who had taken over from a dean who served only two years. The school’s succession plan has therefore involved a mix of permanent and interim appointments, with Mast now filling the permanent role.
Founded in 1886, the Crane School of Music is one of three schools that make up SUNY Potsdam. It enrolls roughly 630 undergraduate and 30 graduate students and employs about 70 faculty and staff. The school is housed in the Julia E. Crane Music Center, which contains four buildings that include concert halls, recital spaces, and a music library. Crane is nationally recognized for its classical and opera programs and has produced alumni such as soprano Renee Fleming, mezzo‑soprano Stephanie Blythe, and violinist Lisa Vroman.
The new dean’s appointment comes at a time when the school continues to host more than 300 recitals, lectures, and concerts each year. The school’s website notes that these events feature faculty, students, and guest performers and are a key component of its educational mission.
While no specific policy changes have been announced, the university’s communications suggest that Mast will build on the school’s existing strengths. The president’s statement highlighted the school’s nearly 140‑year legacy of excellence and implied that the new dean will help sustain that reputation.
In addition to its traditional programs, Crane has recently expanded its offerings. A March 2026 announcement detailed the launch of an online option for the school’s education degree, a development that complements the school’s long‑standing summer in‑person program. The online program is intended to broaden access while maintaining the school’s high standards.
Mast’s background in academic leadership and his experience at a conservatory in Wisconsin position him to support both the school’s performance programs and its expanding educational initiatives. The university has not yet outlined a detailed agenda for his tenure, but the appointment signals a commitment to continuity and to maintaining Crane’s status as a leading institution for classical music education.
As of now, Dr. Mast has been in office since July 6, 2026. The Crane School of Music continues to operate its regular schedule of performances, lectures, and student recitals. No immediate changes to curriculum or faculty appointments have been announced, and the school remains focused on delivering a rigorous, performance‑centric education to its students.
The appointment of Andrew Mast marks a new chapter for the Crane School of Music, but the institution’s core mission—to train musicians and music educators—remains unchanged. The school’s leadership will likely continue to emphasize high‑quality instruction, performance opportunities, and community engagement as it moves forward.
