Fellow Bears,

I shared in May that Vice President Cedric Howard would be leaving µÛÍõ»áËù this summer, and I committed to keeping the university community updated on the next steps. As we approach Dr. Howard’s last day this Friday, I want to thank him again for his service to the university and share interim plans for the student affairs and enrollment management functions that Dr. Howard has led during his time at µÛÍõ»áËù.

I am working with my team and other university leaders to identify the organizational structure and leadership that will best support µÛÍõ»áËù’s progress toward the vision and outcomes articulated in our Rowing, Not Drifting 2030strategic plan. While that work is underway, the Department of Enrollment Services, led by Associate Vice President Pete Lien, will report to Provost and Executive Vice President Kirsty Fleming, and the Division of Student Affairs, led by Associate Vice President Jenna Finley, will report to Vice President for Finance and Administration Dale Pratt.

I also want to inform you that Dr. Tobias Guzmán is currently on administrative  leave with an unknown duration. To ensure continuity in leadership for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I have appointed Chief of Staff Jennifer Almquist as acting vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

While periods of transition can bring a sense of uncertainty, I remain confident that ours is a university composed of faculty and staff who care deeply about our mission and community of Bears. This has been the basis of our ability to successfully and collectively navigate transitions, and it will continue to serve us moving forward. I will communicate the next steps as I have details to share.

Sincerely,
 
Andy Feinstein 
President