Harry DeWitt DeGroat was the third and last principle at Cortland. After DeGroat they were referred to as president's. Degroat served a very lengthy term, 1912-1943. He was a graduate of Williams College and in 1918 he was awarded a PhD in Pedagogy from the Albany State Teachers College (now SUNY Albany). Degroat is remembered for his leadership and passion for traditions on Campus. He helped guide Cortland through the 1919 fire that destroyed the College causing Cortland to relocate. He was also present during national events such as World War I, the Great Depression, and the beginning of World War II where many Cortland resident's sacrificed their lives. Toward the end of his career, College shifted from the Cortland Normal School to the Cortland State Teachers College.