June 24, 2019
IU South Bend Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I have enjoyed meeting with many of you in my visits to campus over the past two months as I prepare to officially begin on July 1. Thanks to all who have shared information and opportunities, as well as challenges. I will be holding monthly “Coffee with the Chancellor” open meetings to continue the conversation. At these meetings, I will provide updates on transition activities as well as university priorities. There will also be time for questions and discussion. Everyone is encouraged to attend. At these meetings, I would also like to highlight significant accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students so be prepared to bring good news for us all to celebrate! The first one will be scheduled in July so stay tuned.
Here is a brief update regarding two chancellor transition activities:
- At the start of the academic year, I will be forming a transition team of stakeholders from across campus and the community to provide feedback on a variety of matters. This team will consist of faculty, staff and student governance leaders, additional faculty, staff, students, and administrators, as well as alumni, and community members. Your input on membership is welcome and can be provided at upcoming Coffee with the Chancellor meetings or via email to chancell@iusb.edu.
- A leadership consultant from the American Association of State Colleges and University’s (AASCU) Penson Center will visit the campus in late July and again in September to conduct an organizational review. John Welty () will be meeting with campus leaders and constituents to generate a report that will be provided to me, as well as campus leadership and the transition team, to accelerate decision-making on the improvements we need to make in our structure, practices and priorities with a focus on tackling our biggest challenges and taking advantage of our greatest opportunities.
I hope to see many of you at the South Bend Cubs game on July 1 where we will kick off our campus celebration of ÂþÂþߣ’s bicentennial. Titus the Titan will be there and our bicentennial committee has lots of fun planned. I will also be throwing out the first pitch! I can’t think of a better way to start my tenure as chancellor than celebrating our Hoosier Spirit and Titan Pride. If you haven’t already purchased your ticket, you can do so online at . We have over 350 already planning to attend.
I hope everyone is having a great summer and I look forward to seeing you around campus.