PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE
This is my first President’s Perspective for Ventures magazine,
and I am glad to have this forum to call special attention to
the achievements of our talented students, faculty, staff, and
alumni as well as the new developments on our campus.
I have had the opportunity to meet many students, faculty, staff, alumni,
parents, and community supporters during the past several months and it is my
pleasure to share a few reflections about our community.
Ours is a community focused on the success of our students, putting them
first and foremost in all of our efforts. You will hear people relate stories—some
as old as the university’s founding 70 years ago and others reflecting recent
events—of the close-knit community we are and how this makes a difference in
the lives of those who have studied and worked here. It was especially heartening
to hear from a student who shared that Stevenson aspires to be the friendliest
university in the country. This sense of community and caring defines our
university.
Coupled to our strength as a community is our ability to provide students
with an exceptional college experience and a connection to their career. Time
and again, I have heard of faculty and staff whose teaching and mentoring
helped prepare an alumnus for their life and career. I have heard of how
students’ involvement in campus clubs and organizations helped broaden their
perspectives and how the coaches of our athletic teams brought out the best in
our student-athletes. The creation of lifelong friendships and relationships is a
constant in all of these experiences. The picture is clear: We are providing our
students with extraordinary experiences that shape their lives, personally and
professionally.
Our feature article, “Practical Arts,” in this issue of Ventures captures these
vital aspects of the Stevenson experience. The story takes a look at how we have
structured academic programs in the visual and performing arts to give students
an exceptional learning experience, a pathway to career possibilities, and the
mentoring that fosters their personal and professional achievement.
You will also read about Stevenson University Online, formerly the School
of Graduate and Professional Studies. The name change stems from a strategic
initiative to position the school more directly as a leader in online education
for working adults and professionals who are seeking the next stage in their
professional lives.
As the 2017-2018 academic year progresses, I look forward to meeting many
more members of our Stevenson community and learning how the university
transformed their lives.
Elliot L. Hirshman, Ph.D.
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VENTURES/FALL 2017