Dear Colleagues:
Campus was a bit quieter last week during Spring Break. Many students used it to spend
time with family, while others opted to volunteer through the Alternative Spring Break
program on trips to Washington, D.C., and St. Joseph Bay, Florida. However you spent
the break, whether here at Winthrop or enjoying some time off, I hope we can all use
that renewed energy and focus to finish out the spring semester on a strong note.
Here are a few updates that I wanted to share:
Provost Search Update
Four finalists have visited or are scheduled to visit the campus this week and next
week. I encourage you to view the candidates’ schedules and to plan to attend their open presentations followed by a Q&A session and reception.
This time gives all members of the campus community an opportunity to interact with
each candidate. If you are unable to attend the presentations and Q&A sessions, they
will be available for viewing the following day from the provost search website. I
also encourage you to complete the candidate feedback survey for each finalist. Instructions
will be emailed, and the link also will be available on the website.
Campus Safety Forums
On the evenings of Feb. 26-27, the Division of Student Affairs organized two campus
safety forums that were held in Richardson Ballroom. Student Affairs staff, Campus
Police officers, members of the university administration, including myself, were
on hand to answer questions and hear concerns regarding campus safety. We received
many suggestions from the students in attendance, and we are following up on those.
If you were unable to attend the forums, you can visit the Student Affairs Facebook
page and watch them, as they were recorded with Facebook Live.
Upcoming Board Meeting
Members of the Board of Trustees will be on campus for April 11-12 meetings. Committees
will meet on Thursday, April 11, and the full board will hold its meeting on the afternoon
of Friday, April 12. More information, including agendas, will be emailed to the campus
soon.
Inaugural Day of Giving
On Saturday, April 6, in conjunction with hundreds of prospective students and their
family members being on campus for Worldwide Winthrop Day, the university will hold
its first Day of Giving, an initiative that will benefit the Winthrop Fund and student scholarships. I hope
you can join me that day in making a gift of any size.
Upcoming Events
The campus remains busy with various events throughout March and into April. Please
note the following:
·Model U.N. – Thirty high school teams are on campus for the March 20-22 conference
which is being held for the 43rd time. This year’s theme is “Economic Empowerment
of the Systemically Disadvantaged.”
·Come-See-Me Festival – This annual festival, held April 4-13, features a variety of Winthrop events, including
the popular Moonlight Jazz & Blues (April 12) and the Tailgating/Fireworks Finale
(April 13).
·Faculty/Staff/Retirees Ceremony – Join us as we recognize nearly 40 retirees, 46
service award recipients, and many others on Tuesday, April 23, at 9:30 a.m. in McBryde
Hall.
As always, thank you for all that you do for Winthrop.
Sincerely,
Dan
