A journey worth taking

I don’t need to tell you that this time of year — end-of-term and the holiday season — can feel nothing short of overwhelming. Thinking back to my time as a university president, my wife and I would host or attend dozens of events and ceremonies, open houses, athletic events and more during the month of December. I cherished each moment, but it often felt like I was rushing through it all.  

The rhythms of my role as chancellor are different. While I can’t say the pressure is less intense, I do have the opportunity to pause and reflect from time to time rather than just run full speed ahead at every moment.   

This week — as some prepare for a much-deserved celebration of their December graduation — I find myself thinking about some of the most memorable experiences from my fall tour of the PASSHE universities, which just wrapped up. (You can view some pics HERE.)

I’ll admit, the thought of traveling thousands of miles and countless hours as I started my 14-campus tour was daunting. But, by the end of the first stop it was clear the journey would be time well spent.     

Our universities make a significant impact on the communities they serve, and I truly felt that as I traveled from campus to campus, observing both the similarities and differences among the institutions. Each has its own identity, its own sense of place — born of people and traditions that make them what they are.    

From the very beginning of my tour, I prioritized time with students to discuss their plans after graduation and the reasons behind their choice of a PASSHE university. When I encountered a group of students, I would ask, “What’s your major?” or “Why did you choose this school?”  

They often shared family stories, highlighting multigenerational ties to the university or the community — expressing their long-standing desire to attend the institution. They talked about wanting to be at a place that felt “right” for them and a place that was affordable and provided experiences that would set them up for success.  

During my meetings with faculty and staff, I noted that many were graduates of a PASSHE university. It was remarkable the number who earned their degrees, left to further their education or launch their career, but felt a drawing back, a drawing home — a strong desire to return to the place that meant so much to them as students.  

Some shared they had been there for 10, 20, or even 30 years, which often prompted smiles and laughter but also highlighted the long-term dedication of the people in our system. Throughout my travels, I felt a strong passion for our mission from everyone I encountered. 

This recurring theme of connection was evident in every conversation. Everyone viewed their experiences through the lens of a student and discussed ways to enrich their experience, especially during these challenging economic times. We talked about real concerns for the future, particularly regarding the nationwide drop in college-going students. Throughout these challenging, candid, and courageous conversations, their passion for our mission remained ever-present. Their dedication to the 83,000 students we serve was unquestioned.    

I spent four decades at a PASSHE university — first as a faculty member and then as an administrator. Those combined experiences shaped my own viewpoint over the years, underscoring that student success is our top priority and that high-quality teaching, research, and service led by great faculty is key to that success. All of that remains true today, and as chancellor I see our work from a system’s perspective that reveals an additional truth: we can achieve more together than we can alone. 

In this journey together, we can lean on each other, leverage our collective strengths, and stand side-by-side as we face a future that is still uncharted. Sure, there are challenges ahead, but I came away from my campus visits with a strong sense of pride and appreciation for the incredible work taking place on these campuses even under difficult conditions.   

Our students are hopeful for the future, even while they navigate uncertainty in the world. Our faculty and staff are committed to our mission, even while all of higher education is asked to do more with less. Since each of our institutions was founded more than a century ago, they have repeatedly evolved to serve the changing needs of students. Today, we again have an opportunity to work together and sustain our vital mission for our students, and I’m honored to be on this journey with you.

I hope you enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season and find some time to recharge as we prepare for the year ahead.