PLATTSBURGH -- Gov. David Paterson selected Arnold Amell to chair the Plattsburgh State College Council.

He replaces former chair Donald Garrant, who stepped down earlier this summer.

"We are pleased to have Arnie appointed to chair the College Council," said SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling. "He has played leadership roles on campus as a steadfast member of the board since 1989 and a member of our alumni board of directors even before that. He has also represented the council well on several important search committees in recent years. With Arnie in place, we know the council is in good hands."

Amell served as interim chair for 10 months in 2004, after Robert Garrow left the position and before Garrant was appointed. Amell would like to continue in their footsteps.

"I'm very excited and pleased to be appointed," said Amell. "What I hope to do is to continue the leadership qualities that were exemplified by both of our most recent past chairs, Robert Garrow and Don Garrant."

Amell plans to support the college administration and advocate for the entire council to support the capital campaign. He'd also like to improve the attendance of council members at meetings and other college events.

Amell attends nearly every commencement at the college and would like to see other members do likewise.

"I would like to encourage more council members to attend commencement exercises both in December and May," he said. "We are representative of our various communities on the College Council, and I think we should show our representation at commencement exercises."

He'll further encourage members to spread word of the college within their communities.

"I'd like the council to provide support to the admissions staff by encouraging those outstanding students we know to attend Plattsburgh," he said. "And I want to continue to have council members act as liaisons between the council and the various schools and divisions at the college."

A 1953 graduate of the college, Amell has devoted much time and service to his alma mater. In addition to serving on the council, he was a member of the college's Alumni Association Board of Directors for 37 years and has served on several search committees for the college. His service earned him the college's Distinguished Service Award in 2006.

Amell has also served at the state level, as a member and two-time president of the Association of Council Members and College Trustees, where he worked to increase communication with other members.

Amell has served as director of guidance and principal at the former Linton High School in Schenectady. He was also the assistant superintendent for personnel in the Schenectady School District, a position from which he retired. In 2005-2006 he worked part-time as interim assistant superintendent for personnel in the Troy City School District.