As my first week on the job unfolds, I write to greet you and introduce myself. It is my honor to serve as executive vice president and provost and work alongside Interim President Jim Davis to advance the mission of this great University.
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, I am excited at what lies ahead. I previously spent 13 years as a faculty member and administrative leader here on the Forty Acres, and that experience instilled in me a deep love for UT and the vital role of public universities in our nation. As higher education navigates the prevailing challenges, public universities such as ours have a unique opportunity to lead in reflection, reform, and charting the way forward. I believe there is no better place to model higher education leadership in the new era than The University of Texas at Austin. I look forward to collaborating with our colleges, schools and centers; supporting the work of our faculty, staff, and students; and celebrating the excellence of our teaching and research.
I would also like to thank my immediate predecessor, Dean David Vanden Bout, for stepping in as interim provost and providing exceptional guidance and leadership during the past several months. I am fortunate to have his partnership and wisdom as we move through the fall term.
UT is and always has been a force for good, committed to serving our state and nation, and to providing a first-class education that not only prepares students for jobs, but also cultivates the virtues and knowledge to help them make a positive impact wherever they go. Thank you for your continued commitment to our academic mission and for all you do for the University. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months ahead.
Hook ’em!