Happy New Year! I hope each of you had a truly restful break and created time to reconnect with what matters most to you. As we kick off 2026, I am thinking about all of you and hope that you are returning with renewed energy and readiness for the semester ahead. Just before the winter break, we gathered for an energetic meeting that kicked off with the ODU Drumline, moved into an honest and thoughtful conversation with our student panelists, and closed with many of you reflecting on why this work matters. The rhythm of the insights from our students was candid, clear, and deeply personal. For us, it is a reminder that retention isn’ t just a number to track. It’ s a measure of belonging. And belonging, as we know, doesn’t just feel good; it is measurable, and it is our shared responsibility. I’m proud of our fall 2024 first-year retention rate of 78.67 %, landing us above the national average and within striking distance of our university’ s strategic plan goal of 82 %. This progress reflects real collaboration and real care across our division. As you begin your semester, ask yourself: 1. What is one thing I can do every day to help keep students, and how will I know if it works? Write it down. 2. Take action. Watch for results and record them. 3. Share what works. Send me an email with the data and outcomes. I want to celebrate what’ s working well in our division – and do more of it. When we combine our efforts and insights across the division, we don’ t just improve retention numbers. We transform and innovate the student experience and uphold our belief in them toward graduation. Our students are counting on us, so this new year, let’ s all do our part to get, keep, and graduate Monarchs! Thank you for your dedication to our mission, to one another, and to our Monarchs. Together, we will continue moving forward- guided by data, fueled by care, and committed to excellence! Take care, bhl Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice President for O-D-U Student and Campus Life Page 4