|
Dear Southern Alumni, In a recent interview with The New York Times, I was asked what attributes drew me to Southern as a presidential candidate. These attributes bear repeating, as they have been reinforced during my introduction to campus and the wider community. With the massive campus construction now taking place, it is easy to see that the university is in the midst of a major period of positive change or, as the Times called it, “A Renaissance on Campus at Southern.” As I told the reporter, I believe I am inheriting an exciting time. Southern clearly has an established aspirational goal — a commitment to excellence that will benefit both the university and the community within which it resides. That community — the urban setting of New Haven — also was an important factor in my decision to apply for the Southern presidency. As many of you know, I spent almost 28 years in a similar environment at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Like Southern, Metro is a large, urban-based campus with a comparable student body and with many of the same challenges and opportunities that come with being a public university. During my time at Metro, I watched the college grow and thrive, taking its place among the leading institutions of its kind in the country. I see a similar path for Southern, a university rich in its roots, strong in its history, and unlimited in its potential. At a time when higher education is still unobtainable for too many of our citizens, I believe that I can play a key role in ensuring that a Southern education and all the benefits it provides remain accessible. Southern’s is a great story that needs to be told, and I intend to be a leader in that regard. Whether I am seeking support from community and legislative leaders or talking with middle and high school students, Southern will be my focus. In addition, I was attracted by the mix and quality of Southern’s academic offerings and by the credentials of the faculty. I was also impressed by Southern’s commitment to community partnerships. A university should always have as one of its primary goals the betterment of the surrounding region. Southern has already made progress toward that goal thanks to initiatives in areas like nursing, education, social work, and business. Because so many of our graduates enter the workforce here and make southern Connecticut their home, the stronger we become in both our educational quality and our outreach initiatives, the greater the economic vitality of the region. I am deeply aware that the support of alumni has played a key role in Southern’s ongoing growth and development. Your continued loyalty and commitment make a powerful statement about your dedication to your alma mater. I look forward to meeting many of you at homecoming and at other upcoming events, and I welcome your ideas and continued support as we work together to make Southern a university of both opportunity and choice. Dr. Cheryl J. Norton |
