Message from the Provost: May 2022
Building Lifelong Relationships with Stevens
Once a Duck, always a Duck.
I’ve been saying that to people quite a bit lately. And as we approach next week’s commencement ceremonies, I hope that everyone — students, alumni and the faculty and staff who support them — will take that to heart and remember that they are part of a unique and distinguished community.
My initiation into the Stevens community began in September. Since then, I met our students, faculty and staff for the first time, experienced Stevens traditions including New Student Convocation and the Innovation Expo, enjoyed new events such as Attila’s Spirit Day.
And now, as my first academic year as provost comes to a close and I prepare to celebrate graduation with the class of 2022, I am delighted to say that I feel like I have truly found a home here. It has certainly been an exciting first year!
In just the last few months, Stevens has reached new heights — literally, with the completion of the University Center Complex and its residential towers; and figuratively, in some key academic metrics. We are rising in the rankings and the value of a Stevens education is gaining increasing recognition. Our faculty researchers are setting records, drawing more grant support and publishing more work than ever before. Our students are thriving; 16 of our seniors achieved perfect grade point averages and first-in-class honors. It is a wonderful time to be at Stevens.
Planning for the Future
Importantly, we have moved forward with several initiatives this year that will help Stevens remain on an upward trajectory for years to come.
I am especially excited that we are nearing the finish line in our efforts to put together a strategic plan for 2022-2032 that is a worthy successor to the spectacularly successful 2012-2022 plan, The Future. Ours to Create.
A draft of the new plan, titled Stevens 2032: Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, was shared with the university community on May 2. It was developed with the input of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, which I chair, and members of the Stevens community through a series of surveys and town hall meetings.
I invite all of you to continue to visit the Strategic Planning Process intranet page to view the latest draft plans as we prepare a final version to present to the Board of Trustees in June.
I am also enthusiastic about the recently announced creation of the Division of Enrollment Management and the Division of Student Affairs. As the head of academic affairs, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with these divisions to help build upon our strong focus on the student experience and commitment to student-centricity.
These two new units will help shape incoming undergraduate classes, improve the experience of students while they are at Stevens and prepare them to continue their relationship with the university beyond graduation.
Because after all — once a Duck, always a Duck.