By: Chancellor Ford
Another new semester begins, and it is an exciting opportunity for all of us to make a difference in our students’ lives.
As I begin my 13th year at UW-Parkside – and they have truly been years I have enjoyed thanks to an amazing team – our students are at the forefront of my mind.
Whether they are traditional students, first-generation students, transfer students or students continuing their educations – they look to us for guidance and support as they pursue their dreams.
We are all well aware that not every story the past year has been a story of success; our campus encountered challenges; our community and its residents faced adversity; and we must remember the challenges of our friends and neighbors.
Yet, in the face of adversity – with your dedication, commitment and hard work – more students graduated from the university than during any other year in our history. Thank you for your effort, engagement, and sacrifice – job well done!
When people think about Parkside and what makes us great, they often think about our location and how we serve our diverse region; our outstanding academic offerings; Ranger Athletics; and, of course, our beautiful campus.
But for me, what makes UW-Parkside the amazing learning environment it is … Is Each of YOU! I’ve always said Parkside is powered by great people.
It’s powered by the students who show up every day with the desire to learn and the tenacity to persevere.
It’s powered by our alumni base that is 27,000 Rangers Strong who continue to lead in their professional and community lives, give back and inspire the next generation of Rangers.
It’s powered by our community partners who encourage and support our growth and the success of our students.
And, of course, our university is powered by our faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to guide our students in a new and ever-changing learning environment and make sure that all our students reach their dreams of earning a degree from UW-Parkside.
We are Parkside. And we are powered by our people!
As we begin a the fall 2021 semester, it will be important to have the time and space needed to focus on our university responsibilities. In order to reestablish the boundaries between our professional and personal lives from the impacts of the Pandemic and remote work, I invite you to join me in creating “meeting free zones” in your work week. The members of the Cabinet and I will be reserving Monday mornings and Friday afternoons to create time to think, plan, step back, and refocus as we lead UW-Parkside and I invite you to join us.
Also please make time to see all of the enhancements to our amazing Learning Environment in the Student Success & Learning Commons; Sports and Activity Center; Library; and Greenquist Hall.
Over the last 18 months, John Bruch has overseen over $54 million in capital projects! Thanks to John, his team in Facilities Maintenance, and the contractors. Our campus continues to move forward!
Finally, thank you for stopping by the Library Lounge for Coffee with the Cabinet last week. It was great to have meaningful conversations with so many of you; and thanks for “striking a pose with our new students” for the Kick Start Road Rally. We will be hosting Coffee with the Cabinet monthly this fall so watch for announcements in the Wednesday Weekly Updates.
It’s all comes down to pride – Parkside Pride – Ranger Pride – Community Pride – the pride I see every day at UW-Parkside. Congratulations on your great work, and congratulations on helping our students succeed! You have always proven that we can accomplish great things. I’m excited to see what this new year brings. Thank you and let’s gets the fall 2021 Semester started!
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