December 18, 2023
Dear colleagues,
As this is my last message of the year, I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for our community’s individual and collective efforts and accomplishments. Amid ever-present global and ongoing challenges in a post-pandemic world, the W&M community continues to display extraordinary adaptability, kindness and excellence. 2023 included countless advancements in the classroom as well as in research and internal and external partnerships. We celebrated some big announcements like the establishment of a new school, and the success of many new or continuing programs and initiatives across the university. Please know that as your provost, I value your work in teams and as individuals greatly.
In this latter part of the year, I have been having informal conversations with faculty who have demonstrated interest and/or expertise in the topic of academic stress at W&M; addressing this remains one of my major priorities. In these initial conversations, I have learned a lot about the challenges students and faculty face in the academic experience. In 2024, I look forward to broadening this conversation with you to identify and pursue strategic ways in which we can collaborate to mitigate strain and advance a culture of excellence that incorporates well-being for students, faculty, and staff. It is important to me that we work together to make the W&M experience one of healthy challenge, fulfillment and joy for all members of our community.
So, rather than share a Top Five this week, I offer my best wishes for a joyful and healthy holiday season! I hope you use the time to relax, recharge and reconnect. If you are going to travel to visit loved ones, I wish you safe travels, and if you are staying at home, I hope you enjoy the season in the Williamsburg area (which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best places in the U.S. for the holidays). I also urge you to take advantage of a slower time of reflection during the first week of the year, as outlined in today’s message from University Human Relations.
Happy holidays and see you all in 2024!
