Dear Converse friends,

Last week, the Board of Trustees held their first meeting of the new year. As stewards of the university, the Board helps to ensure the long-term financial health of the institution by working with the president and top administrators to reaffirm Converse's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

I am deeply grateful for the Board's commitment to empowering and transforming our students. While on campus, trustees received updates on assets and resources, the student experience, enrollment and programs, the Converse Annual Fund, and more. Read on for highlights from last week and updates on campus.

Together, WE WILL

President Hopkins

PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAIT UNVEILING

On Thursday, January 26, the University hosted a Presidential Portrait Unveiling to honor Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker as Converse's 11th president. It was a beautiful tribute to Dr. Barker with heartfelt remarks and artistic collaborations made by members of the campus community. That evening Converse also posthumously awarded Dr. Barker with the 2023 Dexter Edgar Converse Award, the highest honor bestowed by the university. Read the full story and view photos from the event.

GUEST SPEAKER: DR. RUSSELL WIGGINTON

Guest speaker, Dr. Russell Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, met with the Board of Trustees, along with members of Converse's leadership team. During his time on campus, Dr. Wigginton spoke on diversity and its impact on Converse's working environment as well as the overall student and donor experience.

Dr. Wigginton's presentation comes just a few short weeks after 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten by five Memphis Police officers. This devastating loss of life has had a powerful and deeply personal impact on all of us. In addition to supportive resources through our Office of Diversity and Inclusivity, Chaplain Services, and Dean of Students, Converse offers counseling services to faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program and to students through the Wellness Center.



Converse stands firmly against injustice and inequity both within our campus and across our society – and we are committed to continuing these conversations in order to support a strong and inclusive campus community. Read more about Diversity, Community, and Inclusion at Converse.

TENURE AND PROMOTIONS

In recognition for their commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service, the Converse Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the following faculty members who have been awarded tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor:

Dr. Joe Barrera

Math and Computer Science

Dr. Mary E. Carlisle

Art and Design

Dr. Margaret (Meg) Lee

Education

Dr. Amanda Mangum

Math and Computer Science

Dr. Chris Varnon

Psychology

VALKYRIE SUPPLY

On Friday, February 3, Converse will host the grand opening of Valkyrie Supply, a basic needs hub located on the lower level of the Montgomery Student Center. While on campus, members of the Board got a sneak peek of this revitalized space, which was made possible by a matching gift from Susie Cole Wean ’71; grant funding from the Walmart Foundation, Publix Charities, Swipe Out Hunger and ScanSource Charitable Foundation; individual and student donors; and community partners. Valkyrie Supply offers supplemental support to students by providing a food pantry, personal hygiene products, school supplies, professional clothes, and more. Learn more about this free resource for students in need of assistance.

CAMPUS UPDATES

It's 1889 Day!

As part of Homecoming Week, we invite you to join us for a tailgate followed by a basketball doubleheader on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Save the Date!

Join us for the installation of Dr. Hopkins as the 12th president of Converse on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Converse Vaccination Policy Update

University policy will now strongly encourage vaccination against the COVID-19 virus but will no longer explicitly require it. If you have any current questions or concerns, please email the Wellness Center at [email protected]. 

Alumni Newsletter

Did you receive the latest issue of our Alumni Newsletter? Be sure to keep us current by sharing your updated contact information for the next mailing.

MLK Day of Service

On January 16th, members of the Converse community gathered together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy by volunteering on campus or at a local nonprofit.

We Will Celebrate One Another

Converse prides itself on embracing a culture of belonging and collaboration and now we have a new web page that highlights recent student accomplishments.

Campus Initiatives

Check out a video from the start of Jan Term that spotlights current projects that connect with the 2023-2026 Strategic Vision Plan’s foundational priorities.

Investing in our Future

Your gift is an investment in Converse students. Explore ways you can ignite innovation, creativity, and transformation across campus.