Preparing the Future

MID-YEAR REPORT OF PRESIDENT BRUCE SHEPARD

WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

February 12, 2009

Introduction

Cyndie joins me in extending a warm welcome to you all.  And, a genuine “thank you,” for the warm welcome you have given us.

An initial word of warning: my normal rule is to never make formal remarks longer than 25 minutes.    However, these are not normal times.  You have invested, collectively, several thousand hours in my education. As I report back to you today, that investment is deserving of greater depth and more thought than would be permitted in 25 minutes. 

Preparing the Future

“Preparing the Future” ­­­ I have chosen that title for several reasons.  One is obvious: along with universities the world over and across a tradition that spans many centuries, that has been our calling.  And our responsibility. 

We are in a period of transition in American higher education. You - and I heard this loudly and clearly - are committed to leading that transition rather than being pushed along by it.

We are also preparing the future of Western Washington University.  That will be my primary theme.  And, I think it particularly important that we stay focused on that topic as we go through a period of budget retrenchment. 

We must focus on where we want to be for any number of reasons.  In so doing, we will gain insights into how the university and its programs should – and should not – be altered in response to immediate budget considerations.  We will position our university to make significant leaps forward if, as the budget situation most certainly improves, we have the vision, the strategies, the commitments, the understandings, and the relationships in place to take Western where we want it to be.  Most importantly, though, it is a focus that can help keep us together.  And, if we fail in staying together, whatever else we might do is worth little.

Next page: Listening

Common Themes | Preparing Tomorrow Today: list of initiatives