|
Greetings Ashley,
Arriving on campus this morning, I immediately noticed a peacefulness about the place. The campus lacked the same energy I have grown accustomed to these past nine months, and my standard adrenaline rush that comes with walking through campus each morning immediately wore off upon finding an empty cafeteria, library, and hammock garden.
Yesterday, you see, was the last "first" milestone of our inaugural year on campus as each of our 149 students submitted final papers and projects, packed up dorm rooms, and started their summer break. As my colleagues and I juggle feelings of immense pride and total exhaustion, we also look ahead to a full summer calendar with hundreds of students attending weeklong programs and many of our rising seniors engaging in research and mentorship experiences.
For my part, I am overwhelmed by a flurry of emotions in reflecting on the many firsts we've experienced together, the deepening connections throughout our region, and the legacy being extended in real-time for our institution. I'm grateful to our elected officials, our growing donor recognition society, our 13,000+ NCSSM alumni, and to all those who continue to believe in the power and transformative impact that comes from an NCSSM education. Together, we have extended this opportunity to inspire 150 additional North Carolinians each year on our beautiful new campus in Morganton.
Just over a year ago, I was among those who welcomed our first class to NCSSM-Morganton during their Welcome Day. I remember quoting Walt Disney that morning - "When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way." I am profoundly appreciative of your support and the conviction with which you have helped us activate a vision and catalyze an impact for our young people, our region, and our state that will reverberate for decades to come.
With gratitude,
Kevin Baxter
Vice Chancellor and Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton
kevin.baxter@ncssm.edu
828.347.9124
| 
