Dear Lumberjacks,
I hope our university community is refreshed and re-energized after a much-needed spring break. It’s been two weeks since my last update. I’m glad to have had several quieter days last week, which make this week’s update a bit shorter as we all get back into the swing of university life in the homestretch of the semester.
- On March 10, I wrapped up several commitments, including preparation for an upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with funding partners, before heading to Phoenix to spend the next week in Puerto Rico with friends and family.
- During the week of vacation I enjoyed some rest and relaxation, followed the exploits of team Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic, and, along with Rima, joined with friends at Casa Pueblo—as well as NAU students and faculty—to advocate for the pursuit of renewable and independent energy as a human right.
- On Monday, I returned to Flagstaff and prepared for a busy week ahead. Of course, even though spring break had ended and we were officially in the spring season, my first day back to work was a snowy one that adds to the second-snowiest winter in Flagstaff history. Eventually, a glorious spring will come to northern Arizona, and I can’t wait!
- Tuesday’s meetings included conversations about admissions policies in advance of discussions with the Arizona Board of Regents; a meeting of the President’s Cabinet that considered the Campus Master Plan, online strategies and other topics; one-on-one meetings with members of my team to take stock of current workstreams; and conversations with national partners.
- Yesterday, was a bit more open, due to the rescheduling of Encuentro, which I look forward to joining on its new date in April, but the time quickly filled with projects and calls. I wrapped up the day celebrating NAU employees who have dedicated so much to our university at our Years of Service recognition. Thanks to all of our dedicated Lumberjacks for their hard work and contributions to NAU. As a member of the 20-month club, I was honored to recognize 15-, 20-, 25-, 30- and 35-year veterans who all have helped make this institution what it is today.
- Today is a committee meetings day with ABOR, where we will be sharing our tuition proposal for 2023-24, as well as multi-year growth rates, and we will engage in discussions around university admission policies, among other topics.
With spring break behind us, I am excited for the full schedule of events, activities and celebrations that characterize the latter half of each spring. My best wishes to all of our students for a strong finish to the semester, and thanks to our faculty and staff for the good work that will help wrap up this great academic year.
In partnership,
