Dear colleagues,
One year ago today, I sent you a letter on what was effectively my “first day of school” as provost. That day also marked my return to this campus, which helped shape me as a doctoral scholar and prepared me for my later paths as a faculty member, entrepreneur, researcher, and administrator.
I deeply appreciate the way you have welcomed me – into your classrooms and labs, your meetings and discussions, and your celebrations and commemorations.
In these moments of listening and collaboration – absorbing all I can each day, you’ve shown me where we shine and where we are primed to shine brighter. You’ve already helped me understand what staff need to thrive; where we need to add faculty to strengthen research; how to save students time and money while addressing gaps in the workforce; how we can best support graduate students in all they do; and so much more.
I have also learned the stories behind the public art and sculptures across campus; heard some strong opinions on the best pizza in town; discovered a surprising number of hiking and biking trails; and rekindled the deep connection to our community when the Hoosiers play a basketball game in Assembly Hall, or in shopping at the farmer’s market on Saturday morning.
Now, a year later, the stage is set for ambitious next steps together. Through our emerging IUB 2030 strategic plan, we will refocus our lens on priorities we have contributed to as an IUB community.
I greatly value the significant time, energy, and outstanding ideas that our faculty, staff, students, and community members have contributed throughout the planning process and over the past year. Many of the ideas and recommendations shared will help directly shape the implementation phase of our work, while we will continue to consider other recommendations for further action.
With end goals in mind to substantially elevate the student experience, to foster and support new life-changing research, and to be more intentional and impactful in our partnership with the state and people of Indiana and the world, the ways we do our jobs individually and collectively will certainly change. Our campus today, Feb. 15, 2023, isn’t exactly the campus it was last year on this day, or 10 years ago; it won’t be the same a decade from now. We are creating the future together, applying our resources and research to meet the opportunities of the world tomorrow.
Now, as before and ever, I look forward to working with you to deepen IU Bloomington's commitment to our students and to advance our reputation as an innovative leader in higher education.
Thank you for a wonderful first year!
