Members of the Lawrence Community,
At the Board of Trustees meeting earlier today I announced my intention to retire as president of Lawrence University, effective June 2013. I decided that it would be beneficial to give the trustees this advance notice so they might have ample time to recruit Lawrence’s 16th president.
I think much has been accomplished over the past eight years—a campus physically transformed, a faculty that has grown in number and a student body that is more diverse. There have been enhancements to the curriculum including Senior Experience, dance studies and the expansion of the film studies program with a focus on film production. There are greatly increased opportunities for student internships and research experiences to support our students’ transition from Lawrence into their future lives. I appreciate the collaboration and contributions of the many people who have helped conceive, develop and implement these and other advances for Lawrence.
In the next 17 months I am looking forward to focusing on several priorities. I will be working with the economics faculty and their interdisciplinary colleagues on their initiative in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, I will direct my energies toward the completion of the renovation of the former Downer Commons as a center for film studies and as the new home of Admissions, Career Services, and Alumni and Constituency Engagement. Other priorities will certainly come to the forefront this year and next, as I work with Director of Athletics Mike Szkodzinski and other members of the high-achieving Lawrence community to maintain Lawrence’s strong momentum.
I’m thankful for the many wonderful experiences I’ve had at Lawrence. Among the numerous faculty, alumni, trustees and supporters of the college I have met along the way, I have come to count many as warm acquaintances and friends.
I’m especially grateful to the many contributors of the More Light! campaign. They said it couldn’t be done—not in this economy—but with a great development team and faithful alumni, we surpassed our goal. I’d also like to thank the members of my cabinet—the senior administrators who have helped lead the college so capably over the past 8 years.
Rob and I are looking forward to spending more time in France and exploring a more open-ended future.
Thank you, and my heartfelt best wishes to Lawrence always.
