Paul Smith’s College Appoints Dan Kelting as Its President

Kelting’s appointment signifies the college’s next phase of growth, which includes greater external engagement and improved college affordability

PAUL SMITHS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paul Smith’s College today announced its appointment of interim president Dan Kelting to president. As president, Kelting will focus on various strategic initiatives to bolster Paul Smith’s College’s next growth phase, including making college more accessible, growing student enrollment, increasing student retention rates and building support for the college through its external community.

Kelting’s appointment arrives as the 2024 fall semester kicks off, signifying a new beginning for Paul Smith’s College. Since Kelting stepped into the role of interim president in 2022, he’s been committed to creating long-term viability for the college.

“The Board of Trustees appreciates President Kelting's thoughtful leadership this past year. Under his guidance, the college has stabilized, and a strong sense of what is possible is driving an entire community focused on the long-term success of Paul Smith's College," said Mark Dzwonczyk, Board Chair at Paul Smith’s College. “His appointment reflects the full support President Kelting has from the Board of Trustees to continue to lead the college for years to come.”

Kelting’s top priorities as president include attracting new students, retaining them and starting a new scholarship program to improve college accessibility. He will spearhead these initiatives as Paul Smith’s College prepares for its rebrand.

With his new appointment, Kelting aims to strengthen Paul Smith's College's connection with the Adirondacks community, transforming its regional identity from "the College of the Adirondacks" to "the College for the Adirondacks." This shift highlights a deeper commitment to the region, focusing on enhancing Paul Smith’s College's role in supporting the local economy and environment through various initiatives.

Kelting also envisions greater external engagement for both students and faculty. This includes students working off-campus in their professional fields and faculty collaborating with the community. To help this effort, the college plans to leverage the success of Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute with the launch of other emerging institutes in culinary arts, forestry and climate/environmental justice.

“Paul Smith’s College is a vital part of the Adirondacks, and these new initiatives reflect our commitment to supporting the community that supports us,” said Kelting. “Serving Paul Smith’s College for over 20 years has been the highlight of my career, and as president, I’m looking forward to all we’ll achieve in the future.”

To learn more information about Paul Smith’s College, please visit paulsmiths.edu.

About Paul Smith’s College:

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu »