Dear Colleagues:

As we settle into the spring semester, I want to express my gratitude for the vital work you do each day to support our students, and strengthen our academic and research missions. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the rare privilege of continuing to learn and being reminded in many ways about just how amazing our campus is. We shine because you shine.

At the same time, I know we face a lot of challenges in higher education and the world at large. At times we all experience what I would call “invisible burdens” that others may not see. This can be especially true, of course, amid uncertainty and unrest. Please know that I recognize the immense energy your work requires in these moments, and I am committed to ensuring you feel supported.

Hybrid Office Hours

To that end, I invite you to join me for a series of hybrid Office Hours offered in person and online. I am pleased that President Parsons also will be in attendance as her schedule permits. There will not be a formal agenda for these sessions, and you are welcome to drop in for as long as you like. They are an opportunity for me to listen to your feedback, answer questions, and engage in conversation about how the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President can better support your work and well-being.

As I said in my Jan. 8 message to campus, my commitment to you is to listen, advocate, support, and engage with optimism and transparency as we advance over these next few months.

Dean Searches Update

We have secured an exceptional pool of finalists for the dean positions in the College of Business and the College of Natural Sciences. Candidate visits on campus began last week and will continue through Feb. 18. More information on campus open forums is available on the Provost and Executive Vice President’s website.

These searches are critical, long-term investments in our leadership, and I am deeply grateful to the search committees for their diligent work. I am equally excited to see strong participation from the campus community in these important recruitment efforts.

In the coming weeks, I encourage you to celebrate the “small wins,” a breakthrough in a student’s research or a particularly engaging classroom discussion. These moments are important reminders of the far-reaching impact you have on our future leaders, and it is my wish that these bring you hope, satisfaction, and joy.

Thank you for your dedication to higher education and your commitment to CSU.

Sincerely,
Lise

Lise M. Youngblade, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President