Common issues Potter dealt with included drunkenness, date rape, theft, noise complaints, and beatings.
Potter thought the suicide was likely the result of an internal struggle with his sexuality and the conservative environment of Vanderbilt.
In 1977, Potter became the dean of residential and judicial affairs where he worked as the chief arbiter and addressed student conduct.
In the fall, Potter started a regular meet up group for LGBT students to convene at his house on campus.
A few years later, Potter supported the newly formed student gay rights group in their effort to establish a formalized university nondiscrimination policy.
Potter established congressional-style hearings to develop a policy and to testify to the board of trustees.
[2] Potter resided on the Vanderbilt campus in Cumberland House, one of the West Side Row cottages.
[2] Released in 2019, Potter is featured in the short documentary Show Me the Way that shares how he was closeted during his entire professional life.