From first director Charles W. Eaton to current President Marc P. Christensen, Clarkson has been helmed by a long line of proud Golden Knights. Take a look at our past presidents' history and their contributions to our University since its founding in 1896. (By the way, the first four "presidents'" of Clarkson had the title "director.")

Anthony G. Collins, 16th President (2003-2022)
Tony Collins was the longest-serving president. He was a regional and national advocate for partnerships between higher education and industry, with a focus on advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental technology innovation. He served on various national and New York State boards and councils, including the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, the Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the “Reimagine” Task Force dedicated to reopening education in New York after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growing up outside Melbourne, Australia, Collins earned his undergraduate civil engineering degree from Monash University, and master’s and doctoral degrees from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked for both Australian Consolidated Industries and Utah Development Company. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1982, Collins launched his career at Clarkson as an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, assuming increasing levels of administrative responsibility, including department chair, dean, vice president for academic affairs, and provost prior to being appointed president in 2003. Collins and his wife, Karen, were active in the Potsdam community and provided volunteer service to numerous organizations and youth programs.