President-designate Susan Herbst sent the following message to the UConn community on Jan. 18. Herbst will officially start work at the University in July.
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, and Friends of UConn:
Welcome back! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday break.
When the Board of Trustees appointed me to be the University’s next president on Dec. 20, I said it was my dream job – and I meant it. The University of Connecticut is a proud flagship institution in a state that unabashedly supports higher education. I have lived and worked in several regions across this country, and I will tell you that UConn’s national reputation is superb. I could not be more honored to join this community.
My husband, children, and I will move to Storrs early this summer, but in the meantime, I want to learn as much about the campus community as I possibly can. I will visit Connecticut on a regular basis to continue meeting with President Austin, faculty, students, trustees, alumni, donors, state officials, and our many other stakeholders. I hope to gain a deep understanding of the University, its campuses, the state, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
But that is just a start. I believe a university president should be accessible to everyone, since we share this magnificent university, and we only move forward together. To that end, as president, I will schedule open office hours at least once every two weeks, so that any member of the UConn community can drop in to discuss issues of concern. I want to hear your bold ideas, your critical assessments, and your perspectives about our past and future.
During this transition period I have been especially grateful to Chairman McHugh, Vice Chairman Ritter, President Austin, Provost Nicholls, and so many others at the University for offering their full support.
Looking ahead, few current hurdles are more serious than the state’s fiscal situation, and we have no illusions about the magnitude of budgetary struggles we face. But they are temporary. Working alongside Governor Malloy and the legislature, we have the chance not only to weather the storm, but to be better and stronger when it finally passes. We will remain true to our core missions as we strengthen our research capacity, serve as a major economic engine for the state, and most importantly, offer a great education to our students. A university is a precious place of discovery, free expression, and learning: We build the future for Connecticut and America, and no economic downturn will change our course.
Best wishes for a successful and enjoyable semester, and I look forward to seeing you early in 2011. It is my great privilege to be a Husky!
Susan Herbst
