Greetings Christopher Newport University community,
When I received the honor of serving as Christopher Newport University’s sixth president, I promised I would commit to listening and learning during my first 100 days on campus. I want to share with you what I have learned while acknowledging there is still much I don’t yet know or have yet to experience.
Much of what I have learned reaffirms what Angie and I discovered during our initial visits to campus. I also recognize there have been some surprises and some unexpected challenges and opportunities.
You have embraced us and made Angie and me feel like a part of this special community. We have experienced a personal journey as well during these “First 100 Days” and are grateful to be a part of this University.
I have not had the chance to engage with every member of our University, but I have tried to bring an “air of approachability” to my role as President. I have learned a great deal about our University through office hours, Wednesday Walks with the President, the classes I have sat in on and in those where I have been fortunate enough to contribute. I have met with the Governor, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Finance. I have participated in Council of Presidents' discussions on multiple occasions and have had the chance to speak individually with our Virginia university presidents and many of our community college presidents. I have met with our state and local elected officials and have joined the Mayor of Newport News for numerous events and discussions. I have also had the opportunity to host Delegates and Senators, as well as our City Council, at CNU football games. In our local community, I have met with the CEOs of Smithfield Foods, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Ferguson Enterprises, Canon, Riverside Health System, and Jefferson Lab. I have also met with senior leaders at Newport News Shipbuilding, Bank of America, and TowneBank, along with many other leaders and citizens in Hampton Roads.
It has been a jam-packed three-plus months. Here is a short summary of what I have learned during our first 100 days on campus:
|