Founding President George T. and Laurie Potter, Ph.D. Scholarship

The Founding President George T. Potter and Laurie Potter Ph.D. Scholarship was started in 2009 by family members and former colleagues of Dr. Potter. As Ramapo College’s inaugural president, George Potter played the role of academic visionary, overseeing scores of founding faculty members, construction of a brand new campus and the establishment of the academic values that now define the College. George Potter was born in England, the son of a boatman. He earned degrees from Stanford Hall, Loughborough and Oriel College, Oxford, where he developed adult education and extension programs. He continued this work at the University of Alberta in Canada, then helped plan the new Grand Valley State College in Michigan, prior to taking the post of president at the experimental Ramapo College. From the beginning, Dr. Potter and his wife Laurie championed programs that increased access to Ramapo for women, veterans, minorities and people with disabilities. Mrs. Potter, in particular, was instrumental in making sure that persons with disabilities felt welcome at Ramapo and helped launch what is now the Office of Specialized Services. The College’s academic buildings were constructed to be accessible to persons with disabilities, well before the Americans With Disabilities Act required such measures. Applicants must submit an essay in which they describe what plans you have for graduate school, and any graduate programs to which you may have applied. Include the school or workplace accommodations you’ll be requesting, if any, and your career plans. Please proofread your essay; it is recommended that you ask your OSS advisor or other advisor to read your essay before you submit it.
Eligibility:
Juniors and Seniors affiliated with OSS who plan to attend graduate school
GPA of 3.00 or higher