|
Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
It is an honor to be elected by the Board of Trustees to be President of the George Washington University, and I am fortunate to join this community of outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni. In the months since the announcement of my appointment, I have learned that GW enjoys a great reputation stemming from its 200-year history of achievement in education, original scholarship and research, and patient care. Through its on-campus programs and the work of its more than 300,000 graduates, GW has a very positive impact on the world.
As we begin 2022, the entire world faces a surge in the number of positive COVID-19 infections. The Washington, D.C., area has experienced a rapid rise in cases, and the consequences are not yet fully understood. With a priority on the health and safety of the GW community, adjustments to the start of the semester have been announced. I am grateful for the advice of our dedicated GW medical and public health professionals who are recommending the procedures we will follow. We will continue to carefully monitor the situation and make changes if needed.
Despite problems associated with the pandemic and other challenges we face as an institution of higher education, what excites me about the George Washington University is its potential to address universal problems and bring positive solutions to communities locally, nationally, and globally. Through meetings and conversations with trustees, faculty, academic and administrative leaders, students, alumni, parents, and community partners, it is clear that there is resolve to bolster the strength of GW. There is much more for me to learn and many more people to meet, and I am eager to do that. But my strong view is that by working together we can accelerate the progress of GW as one of the world’s great research universities.
2022 is the first year of the George Washington University’s third century. My goal is to work with the GW community to establish a trajectory that puts us on a path of greater contributions and worldwide influence. Through dedicated, creative, and collaborative work, we have the opportunity to shape our future. Let us begin our third century!
Sincerely yours,
|
