You are valued partners of Winona State University, so I want to share with you some personal insights about campus during my first two months here. I plan to share my personal views about what’s going on at WSU from time to time. I look forward to getting to know each of you better and collaborating with you to provide the best education possible for our students.
We have some very good news again this fall: despite a smaller number of high school graduates across the Midwest, WSU continues to meet its enrollment goals. We continue to have such success because people like you have helped build and support a wonderful, distinctive university here in Winona, one recognized throughout the region for its excellence and value.
I’m enthused about our academic theme for the year, “Well-Connected.” The theme resonates with me because this is such an important time for my wife, Kelley, and me as we begin to build strong and lasting connections in Southeast Minnesota. The Winona community is rightly proud of its beauty, its welcoming spirit, and its unique personality. We love living here! I continue to meet with friends throughout the region, and I am paying particular attention to the Rochester community, K-12 partners, and business and industry leaders.
Here’s what I’ve learned: WSU is even more distinctive and exceptional than I had hoped, and our commitments to academic excellence, a superior student experience, civic engagement, cutting edge technology, and sustainability are deeply rooted in our culture.
We are having many conversations this fall about our shared hopes and dreams. Together, we are building energy that will help us chart our future course and uncover ideas that will become the foundation for our next 150 years.
