In my final week as President of Colorado College, I want to say goodbye and express how wonderful it has been to serve this remarkable place.
When I arrived three years ago, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. I learned about the depth of expertise and passion amongst our faculty and staff. I was captivated by the way CC students and alumni think — the way they problem-solve and contribute to the world around them — because of what the Block Plan delivers.
When we embarked on Project 2024, I was struck by how much this community cares about the college, its students, and creating a better future. I wanted our vision and priorities to be co-created. And that happened. Many of CC’s accomplishments during my presidency — a new compensation philosophy, expanded mental health resources, career catalyst blocks, a revised model of shared governance — arose from the collective effort of people across our community. Thank you for taking part in this process.
By participating in difficult conversations, working on antiracism, mental health, and sustainability, and openly sharing your feedback with me, you showed me what it means to be courageous.
Finally, when I shared that I would step down as president of CC to pursue my passions — returning to the classroom as a professor and starting an institute focused on leadership, equity, and opportunity at the University of California, Irvine — I was surrounded by support. The messages I’ve received from students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff in recent months have meant more to me than you know. I will keep them to remind me of the remarkable people that make CC so special.
I leave the college in great hands with Interim President Manya Whitaker, our talented leaders in Cabinet, and our incredible campus community. With all of this, CC is poised to continue to move the college forward with exciting priorities in the years to come.
It has been my honor to serve as your president. I will always have a connection to this remarkable place, and I hope to come back to visit soon. I will miss you all!
