I am filled with gratitude.
The inauguration celebrations of these past few days, drawing together students, staff, faculty, family, friends, and colleagues from near and far, are a testament to the inclusive, impactful, and inspiring place that Colorado College is. I am honored to be your 14th president.
Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to create meaningful gatherings, conversations, learning experiences, performances, and more. You did all this while building community at New Student Orientation, welcoming new and returning students, and preparing classes for Block 1 and beyond. This community is remarkable.
Most important, welcome, everyone, to the 2022-23 academic year! Each new year is thrilling, but this one is even more exciting as we determine our pathways toward an even greater future at CC.
As I said in my inauguration speech today, I was drawn to Colorado College because it has always been bold, courageous, and committed. And the world today needs CC, CC students and grads, and CC staff and faculty to help create a more just world.
The college that created the Block Plan, launched the first antiracism commitment, and was the first in the Rocky Mountain region and the eighth in North America to achieve carbon neutrality, has the guts and drive to take on even bigger challenges. In a time of existential threats and challenges, including climate change, systemic racism, political polarization, equity gaps, and more, the world needs Colorado College.
My goals as we work toward creating a more just world:
Access: While we have strong programs and have made progress, we must do more. And we need to ensure all our students can thrive and have access to every opportunity at the college. We will become a leader in educational access.
Courageous Conversations: In a time when people are “canceled,” vilified, and intimidated for sharing their diverse views, Colorado College will be a place where broad viewpoints can be discussed, debated, and welcomed. We can only make progress when we are willing to listen, share, and debate our ideas with each other. Perhaps we might even change our minds!
Our People: Colorado College is so committed and impactful because of its faculty and staff, who support our students holistically. We will build community and connection and become one of the best places to work in the country.
Visibility: Our students and this college are exceptional. The world should know about them. Employers and graduate schools should be clamoring for our graduates. We will shine a light on the college and our students so that Colorado College is no longer a “hidden gem,” and our graduates have every opportunity to achieve lives of meaning.
Many of these themes arose during our conversations last year, and aspects of them will be brought into greater focus this year as Project 2024 moves from discussion to determining the path ahead.
I look forward to getting to know our new community members and working with all of you, as we take this already great college to even greater heights.
Let’s have a fantastic academic year!
Sincerely,
