ArtistDirect News
SUNY Potsdam Names Dr. Andrew Mast as New Dean of Crane School of Music
On July 29, 2026, SUNY Potsdam announced that Dr. Andrew M. Mast will take the helm of its Crane School of Music, beginning July 6, 2026. The appointment follows a nationwide search that evaluated candidates from across the country and marks a new chapter for a school that has been shaping musicians for nearly 140 years.
Mast brings two decades of experience from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he served as associate dean of the Conservatory of Music, held the Kimberly‑Clark Professorship of Music, and directed the university’s bands. During his tenure, he guided the conservatory through a successful reaccreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music, participated in an academic program review task force, and led strategic initiatives that broadened the curriculum and outreach of the institution.
Prior to Lawrence, Mast taught at St. Ambrose University, eventually chairing its music department. Earlier in his career he directed bands in middle and secondary schools throughout Iowa and Minnesota, giving him a breadth of experience in performance, education, and administration that informs his holistic view of student and faculty needs.
Mast’s influence extends beyond academia. As chair of the educational projects committee for the American Bandmasters Association, he supports band educators and performers nationwide, underscoring his commitment to professional development and curriculum innovation.
In a statement released by SUNY Potsdam, Mast said, “It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Dean of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I look forward to building on the incredible foundation that Crane’s past and current students and faculty have created to take this amazing institution into its promising future.” President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith added, “The Crane School of Music has earned a national reputation for excellence over nearly 140 years, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Mast to lead Crane into its next chapter as its new dean.”
Founded in 1886 by Julia Etta Crane, the school now serves about 630 undergraduate and 30 graduate students. Its 70‑member faculty includes professional musicians, scholars, and educators. The Julia E. Crane Music Center houses four buildings that contain classroom spaces, concert halls, a music theater, and a lecture hall. The campus hosts more than 300 recitals, lectures, and concerts annually, reflecting its emphasis on performance and practice.
Mast’s appointment is expected to reinforce Crane’s reputation for high‑quality music education while positioning the school to adapt to evolving industry trends. His background in accreditation, curriculum development, and professional associations suggests a focus on maintaining rigorous academic standards and expanding opportunities for students in performance, education, and entrepreneurship.
As of July 2026, Mast has officially begun his tenure as dean. The school’s leadership team will work with faculty and students to continue Crane’s legacy of excellence and to pursue new initiatives that support the next generation of musicians and music educators.
Mast brings two decades of experience from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he served as associate dean of the Conservatory of Music, held the Kimberly‑Clark Professorship of Music, and directed the university’s bands. During his tenure, he guided the conservatory through a successful reaccreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music, participated in an academic program review task force, and led strategic initiatives that broadened the curriculum and outreach of the institution.
Prior to Lawrence, Mast taught at St. Ambrose University, eventually chairing its music department. Earlier in his career he directed bands in middle and secondary schools throughout Iowa and Minnesota, giving him a breadth of experience in performance, education, and administration that informs his holistic view of student and faculty needs.
Mast’s influence extends beyond academia. As chair of the educational projects committee for the American Bandmasters Association, he supports band educators and performers nationwide, underscoring his commitment to professional development and curriculum innovation.
In a statement released by SUNY Potsdam, Mast said, “It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Dean of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I look forward to building on the incredible foundation that Crane’s past and current students and faculty have created to take this amazing institution into its promising future.” President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith added, “The Crane School of Music has earned a national reputation for excellence over nearly 140 years, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Mast to lead Crane into its next chapter as its new dean.”
Founded in 1886 by Julia Etta Crane, the school now serves about 630 undergraduate and 30 graduate students. Its 70‑member faculty includes professional musicians, scholars, and educators. The Julia E. Crane Music Center houses four buildings that contain classroom spaces, concert halls, a music theater, and a lecture hall. The campus hosts more than 300 recitals, lectures, and concerts annually, reflecting its emphasis on performance and practice.
Mast’s appointment is expected to reinforce Crane’s reputation for high‑quality music education while positioning the school to adapt to evolving industry trends. His background in accreditation, curriculum development, and professional associations suggests a focus on maintaining rigorous academic standards and expanding opportunities for students in performance, education, and entrepreneurship.
As of July 2026, Mast has officially begun his tenure as dean. The school’s leadership team will work with faculty and students to continue Crane’s legacy of excellence and to pursue new initiatives that support the next generation of musicians and music educators.