As president, I value the insights that come from conversations with a diverse cross-section of Colgate graduates. I met many alumni on campus during my inaugural year, and I had the opportunity to attend events hosted by the Alumni of Color organization in Boston, New York, and San Francisco. I want to thank you all for sharing your thoughts, stories, and words of welcome.
During those same months, the university conducted a series of nationwide searches to fill senior leadership positions — to form a skilled presidential cabinet that could advance Colgate’s strategic vision at the dawn of its third century. That process is now complete. Read more about Dean of the Faculty and Provost Tracey Hucks ’87, MA’90, and find details on the entire cabinet in the autumn Colgate Scene.
The university also initiated a critical assessment of our approaches to equity and inclusion last spring. Christopher Wells, senior advisor to the president, submitted the subsequent report in October. The report shows that, while Colgate has advanced diversity and inclusion in particular ways and among certain populations, there is still much to be done.
Colgate is a distinctive academic community; inclusivity and equity are crucial components of its mission and identity. Acknowledging this important fact, Dean Hucks and I are co-chairing a working group to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for inclusion. The working group will include faculty and staff members from various established committees. But, this is a significant, universitywide endeavor, and we will rely on the participation of the entire Colgate community during the course of our efforts. Watch for opportunities to provide your own invaluable input in the months ahead.
While we develop plans around inclusion and other crucial initiatives, inspirational stories about multicultural alumni, students, faculty, and staff are unfolding. We offer some of those stories here on this new Mosaic news site — to connect you with your alma mater, your fellow alumni, and the students who now walk the hill in your footsteps.
I hope you enjoy, and that I have the opportunity to speak with you in person in the near future.
Sincerely,
Brian W. Casey
President