SUNY Canton Leadership/ President's Cabinet
Zvi Szafran
President
Zvi Szafran, Ph.D. became SUNY Canton's fourth President July 1, 2014.
Dr. Szafran is the former Vice President for Academic Affairs and professor of chemistry at Southern Polytechnic State University in the University System of Georgia, a position he held since 2005. From 1998-2005, he served as the vice president for academic affairs at New England College in New Hampshire. Previously, he held several positions at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, including dean of science and engineering, chairman of the chemistry department, assistant to the dean of arts and sciences, and professor.
Dr. Szafran earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree, also in chemistry, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Peggy A. De Cooke
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Peggy A. De Cooke, Ph.D. became Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs July 1, 2019.
At SUNY Canton, the provost oversees the academic deans and faculty members, and is the senior-most academic administrator other than the president.
Dr. DeCooke is the former Associate Provost and an Associate Professor of Psychology at Purchase College.
De Cooke has extensive teaching experience from high school through graduate levels and has taught many courses in introductory and developmental psychology. Additionally, she has published or presented more than 50 papers on factors influencing student learning and performance.
Amanda Crump
Interim Vice President for Administration/Chief Financial Officer
Amanda Crump became Interim Vice President for Administration December 6, 2024.
The Vice President for Administration oversees the Budget Office, Facilities, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Information Services, Physical Plant, Procurement, Student Accounts, and Travel.
Courtney B. Bish
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
Courtney Bish was promoted to Dean of Students in 2012 and Vice President for Student Affairs in 2015.
The Vice President for Student Affairs provides oversight of the Student Affairs Division which includes Athletics, Convocation Athletic Recreation Center, Campus Ministries, Community Service, Counseling, Diversity Affairs, Greek Life, Health Services, Health Educator, New Student Orientation, Residence Life, Student Activities, and Student Conduct.
Prior to serving as Vice President, Bish held positions at SUNY Canton as Director of Residence Life, Greek Affairs Coordinator, and Residence Hall Director.
Bish earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor's in Psychology from St. Lawrence University.
Geoffrey VanderWoude
Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Canton College Foundation
Geoffrey VanderWoude became Vice President for Advancement June 18, 2025.
The Vice President for Advancement is responsible for leading advancement and alumni affairs activities and personnel, as well as developing fundraising strategies to support the college’s mission and priorities.
VanderWoude began his career as a gift officer and rose to senior director of development. In this role, he has raised more than $6 million for the college, including $3 million in planned gifts and secured more than 30 new student scholarships. VanderWoude earned his Master of Business Administration from Clarkson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from SUNY Potsdam.
Lenore VanderZee
Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications
VanderZee leads SUNY Canton's economic development, entrepreneurship, and government relations efforts, and serves as the Operations Manager for the Research Foundation at the College and the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer. She oversees the Center for Workforce, Community, and Industry Partnerships, Liberty Partnerships, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Office of Public Relations, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She also serves on several local and national non-profit boards, including the University Economic Development Association, Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
VanderZee joined SUNY Canton as an adjunct instructor teaching Contemporary Global Issues, American Government and Politics, and Middle East History and Politics. She was appointed Chief of Staff in 2013 and has since served as Executive Director of University Relations and, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. She was appointed to Vice President for Strategic Relations and Communications in 2023.
On her off time, VanderZee likes to hike in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, read and listen to books, play music with her folk-Americana band Uprooted, and spend time with her husband and two teenage kids.
Michaela Young
Executive Assistant to the President
Michaela Young has provided administrative support to the President’s Office since 2005 and has more than 31 years of customer service experience. Michaela is a 2011 graduate of SUNY Canton’s Management Program and received the President’s Meritorious Service Award in 2018. In her role as Executive Assistant, she is responsible for collaborating with all areas of the college, including the various administrative councils, committees, and boards.
She oversees the Special Events Office, and is a member of the Recognition Day Committee, Commencement Committee, and Nominations and Elections Committee. She is also an Affirmative Action Officer.
Michaela is admired for her collegiality, dedication, and contributions to maintaining high morale on campus.