Opening the Door to Opportunities Ahead

Dear colleagues,  

In my very first newsletter to all as provost nearly seven years ago, I wrote that the image of an open door has always had special meaning for me. Throughout my life, my family and mentors always encouraged me to be open to possibilities and opportunities that would lead to growth and development. It’s timely to reflect upon the guiding principles behind my naming of The Open Dore newsletter, as this will be my last edition before I walk through a new door and leave Vanderbilt to take the helm at Wake Forest University as their first woman president.  

I also chose the name of the newsletter to symbolize that the Office of the Provost should be an “open door” to partnership and collaboration because discovery, learning and innovation occur when we come together as One Vanderbilt. I want to thank all of you for your contributions and for working and traveling alongside me during my time as provost.  

In my remarks this past weekend at the Commencement 2020 celebration, I challenged the graduates not to fear their journeys ahead but to relish them and to find within every moment the means for personal growth and renewal. I would like to leave all of you with that same message, as it is one I will carry forward as well. After a year like no other, and as we move past the pandemic and continue the essential work on inclusion, equity and belonging, I hope all of you will harness your resiliency, embrace the incredible community around you and leave the door open to welcoming all and the opportunities that lie ahead.  

Sincerely,  

Susan R. Wente

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair

READ PREVIOUS OPEN DORE ISSUES

One year in, better days on the horizon – March 2021

Gratitude for the Vanderbilt community – February 2021

Lessons Learned from the Fall 2020 Semester – January 2021

Academic Affairs Highlights from the Fall 2020 Semester – December 2020

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