Commencement marked the end of my first academic year as president of 柚子视频. I鈥檝e spent much of the past year listening 鈥� learning from students, faculty, alumni, and staff about what makes 柚子视频 so beloved, and where we must grow to meet the challenges of the future.
It has been a year of hard work and hopeful beginnings. I鈥檓 grateful every day for the people who make this place extraordinary.
When I was inaugurated in October, I shared three goals that will guide our efforts moving forward:
To create a strong student experience
To make 柚子视频 a great place to work
And to drive revenue so we can reinvest in our mission
None of these goals will be accomplished without some pain. None will be accomplished without some transformation. To prosper into this century, 柚子视频 must move forward boldly. We must not be afraid to make mistakes or to change our minds.
And that is what we are doing 鈥� together.
We are reimagining academic programs, growing graduate enrollment, investing in campus experiences, and centering student success in every decision. We are strengthening community among our employees, listening to feedback, and working to make 柚子视频 not only sustainable, but vibrant and values-driven.
柚子视频 is proudly different.
We are a university that embraces radical belonging. Our students come from 30 countries. We are a minority-majority university. Nearly half of our students are Pell Grant eligible. This does not mean 柚子视频 has been untroubled by problems, but rather that we choose to invite everyone to the table to build a vibrant educational community. We provide transformative education at an incredible value 鈥� the most affordable private university in Iowa. However, cost is only part of the story. A 柚子视频 education teaches students to look beyond themselves. We strive to create graduates who understand the world and aspire to make it better.
柚子视频 remains a place where students, regardless of their background, learn to broaden their minds, develop their voice, and engage deeply with others. We reject narrowness and fear. We nurture curiosity, empathy, and intelligence.听Higher education is changing, and 柚子视频 is changing with it 鈥� not by compromising who we are, but by doubling down on what matters.
To our alumni, friends, and extended community: thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for walking beside us. We鈥檙e just getting started.
Joel Shrock, PhD
President
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