Drew University "Letter from the Chair of the Board" for Monday, 1 September 2014

Drew University "Letter from the Chair of the Board" for Monday, 1 September 2014
Dear Drew Friends and Colleagues:
As the 2014-15 academic year gets underway, I thought it would be an appropriate time to welcome Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger as Drew University’s new President. While July 21st marked her first official day on the job, MaryAnn has been working with trustees, faculty, and staff virtually since the day she was named President-elect in May. In fact, she has already led the charge in addressing several critical issues that will have a lasting impact on Drew's future.
In my ten years on the Board, I have never before witnessed such broad enthusiasm and commitment on the part of our trustees. Not only are these men and women generously giving their time and treasure to support our University, but they are also providing success strategies and career opportunities for Drew students. Much of the Board’s rejuvenation can be directly attributed to their great confidence in MaryAnn, given her proven record of success.
In her short time in the Forest, MaryAnn's leadership skills have already become evident. She has spearheaded initiatives, for example, to restructure Cabinet, to improve student retention in the College, and to modernize the process we use to address the University's core activities.
This, however, is only the beginning. MaryAnn is working around the clock to become fully acquainted with the many distinctive resources of our University and to identify the strategic priorities that will guarantee Drew's success in the future, both immediate and long-term. If MaryAnn's emerging vision for our University is to come to fruition, she will need our support and trust. As she leads Drew through some very serious challenges--challenges that are now endemic in the world of higher education--our role will be absolutely critical. Remember, MaryAnn assumes the Presidency at a time when colleges like Drew are facing significant head-winds in the area of recruiting--and, consequently, unprecedented financial challenges. The competition to enroll talented students is fierce, and MaryAnn will need to ensure that Drew is an attractive option for potential students and their families, both in terms of course offerings and physical appearance.
As a community, we must rally behind MaryAnn's leadership and give her the tools required for success. We must offer our ideas and our support. We must answer the calls for stewardship and contributions of our time and talents. And we must help Drew students and young alumni who are seeking advice or employment.
I know that MaryAnn will be sharing some of her vision and strategies with the campus community during the fall semester. I urge you to attend these sessions--and be an active participant in Drew's renaissance. We are poised for great success, thanks in large part to MaryAnn’s dedication and leadership. But she cannot do it alone. She needs us to sustain--and, if possible, deepen and expand--our involvement in the life of this community, our engagement with Drew students and alumni, and our philanthropy. 
To the members of the Drew community, I wish you all much success during the coming school year, and thank you for all you do for Drew. To MaryAnn, welcome to the Drew family, and thank you for your leadership and commitment to our University. Know that you can count on us as you lead the effort to help Drew realize its full promise and potential.
Warm regards,
Dean T. Criares C'85
Chair, Board of Trustees
Our mailing address is:
Drew University
36 Madison Ave
Madison, New Jersey 07940 United States
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