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CONNECT  |  Wednesday, Jan. 15  |  Message from the VP

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

 Happy New Year! I hope you benefited from the break to personally rest and recenter as we enter 2025, and another exciting semester with our Lobo community. In just a few short days, the spring 2025 semester will begin with our Welcome Back Days events and new opportunities to be involved, but not before we pause to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as an individual and as a leader in the broader Civil Rights Movement. 

 Dr. King said speaking on education that “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction. The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically”. The speech from which this quote originates speaks specifically to the importance of thinking logically and ethically and protecting the population against propaganda. We find ourselves in a time where even some of our own work regarding equity and inclusion is being questioned by some, yet postsecondary student success research shows time and time again that these services and programs are critical to the success of students, particularly those from historically minoritized communities. We hold steadfast in our commitment to equitable student success which our new strategic plan will emphatically affirm.

 In this new year, you may interact with new or returning students who have set an intention for their year to become more involved, to get more organized, to be more proactive, or to dedicate more time to their personal and academic development. Students who are trying to improve or expand their various skills and practices related to wellbeing and student success will find support, resources, and encouragement across the Division of Student Affairs because of the environment and inspiration that you create. Thank you for all you do for our students, division, and university.

With appreciation,

Eric