From IWU Magazine, Winter 2014-15 edition
From the President's Desk
In a special message, Richard F. Wilson reflects on presidency and Illinois Wesleyan's future.
(Photo collage by Gary Schwartz)
My decision to retire as president evolved slowly over the past year. Several major projects that were important to me and to the University either had been completed or were nearing completion, including the renewal of our accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; the adoption of IWU 2020, the University’s new strategic plan; and the successful conclusion of the Transforming Lives campaign. In addition, by the end of this year, we will have completed the transition to a new enrollment and budgeting model, and the first phase of the strategic curricular review that the faculty has underway will be completed.
Given all of this, it felt to us as though this was a good time for a transition, providing my successor with an opportunity to be on the ground floor of conversations about the direction of the University for the next decade. After working in leadership and administrative roles for the past 41 years, I also must admit that I look forward to having more time for personal interests and activities.
Recently, a reporter for the Argus student newspaper asked me to identify my fondest memories as president. The first one was easy: the exhilaration I felt the day I learned I would be the 18th president of the University. Not far behind was the excitement connected to the ten Commencement ceremonies during my tenure. I calculate that I have handed a diploma to over 5,000 graduates, roughly 25 percent of all living alumni. After that, I would have to list the response of alumni and friends to the Transforming Lives campaign, particularly the very generous financial support provided during a period of economic uncertainty for endowed chairs and professorships, capital priorities, and student scholarships. Finally, both Pat and I cherish the opportunities we have had to meet with alumni around the country and hear their stories about their experiences at IWU and the impact those experiences have had on their lives and careers. We always came away from these conversations proud of what the University has accomplished in the past and inspired to ensure that students of the future will have the same opportunities.
My announcement understandably turns attention to the future, but I certainly hope we can make the remaining months of my tenure as productive as possible in terms of work that still needs to be done. In addition, Pat and I plan to use the time to meet with as many alumni and friends as possible to express our profound gratitude for your help and encouragement over the past 10 years. Your continuing interest and support have enabled the University to make good progress on a number of important priorities during very turbulent times. We are indebted to you for your loyalty and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve Illinois Wesleyan.