Our North Star

As I prepare to step away from this role, I do so with a full heart and deep gratitude. Serving Rosalind Franklin University — as a faculty member, dean, vice president, provost and president — has been the honor and the work of my life. RFU is more than a place of learning. It’s a living promise to our students, our partners and our community.

Transitions bring change. But some things won’t change: our mission, our values, our commitment to improve health and well-being, and our desire to be good partners. Those remain our North Star. Our values — collaboration, excellence, innovation, integrity, justice, respect and scholarship — will endure and guide the university’s next chapter.

I’m proud of the work we have done together. We’ve grown programs that help meet the healthcare needs in our region. Our new College of Nursing is thriving. We’re expanding into programs such as adult gerontology acute care and speech-language pathology. These are not just academic programs; they are bridges into the community, where our graduates will serve their neighbors, often in the very places they call home.

Our efforts have diversified the workforce and created new opportunities for students from all backgrounds. We continue to adapt to educate health and biomedical professionals for a future where our humanity thrives alongside scientific advancement and innovation.

That is the kind of progress I believe in. That’s the kind of change that lasts.

We are steering through a complex time in higher education. From the ethical development and use of AI, to shifting policies and financial pressures, we face real challenges. But opportunities are also emerging. If we lead with our values and stay focused on collaboration, wellness, access and equity, we will continue to flourish.

Our community trusts us. We’ve earned that trust through a vision grounded in partnership, innovation and service. I take pride in knowing that a spirit of shared stewardship — among our faculty, staff, students and partners — will continue to guide RFU into a brighter future.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.