Colleagues,

I hope this note finds you well and enjoying our gradual return to life more reflective of pre-pandemic times. How refreshing to finally see, in person, the smiles and full faces of friends and colleagues. While the summer of 2021 offers relief with the return to more normal life and the more relaxed feel of summer, the important work of the university continues.

University leadership transition culminates when I depart and Dr. Patterson on July 1 assumes his position as your full-time interim president. In support of stability of leadership in the transition, I announce today that Dr. Tom Ormond has added to his provost role the responsibility of executive vice president for the university. As chief academic officer, Dr. Ormond serves as the successor to the president if such need arises. This title reflects that order of succession.

Additionally, Dr. Sue Mukherjee assumes the role of senior vice president for strategy and student success. As you may recall, last fall Dr. Mukherjee assumed leadership of the Division of Enrollment Management and has worked tirelessly with colleagues in the division and across campus to develop strategy and practices that will help move our recruitment and retention efforts into a bright and sustainable future. Her leadership provides stability in this area as the university continues leadership transition in the coming months.

Finally, Chris Clarke, assumes the role of associate vice president of operations. Throughout the pandemic, Chris showed his value as an agile leader, even being named Administrator of the Year by student leaders. In the last two months, Chris has taken on supervision of Human Resources, SU Police and Facilities which has resulted in new procedures that benefit the university. He will continue to directly supervise those areas. Chris has a deep knowledge of the shifts in operations that was valuable in keeping the university running during the pandemic, and is well-equipped to help the university as it pivots into its next post-pandemic chapter.

I know you will do your part in supporting these leaders as they continue working with you and for the good of the university.

Sincerely,

Laurie A. Carter