>> What a tremendous honor and privilege it has
been to be chancellor of the University System of
Maryland for nearly 13 years.
Serving in this position has truly been the capstone
of my more than 50 years in public higher education.
I am especially grateful for the outstanding work
of the talented and committed faculty,
administrators and staff who have made these last
several years a period of significant progress for
the students and the state that we serve.
And I couldn't have asked for a more committed board
of regents, chaired earlier by Cliff Kendall,
and during the last few years by Jim Shea.
Together, you and I and the board have made our
university system a national model in so many
areas as we've moved our priorities forward.
We've made great strides in ensuring access and
affordability for our students.
We've been successful in closing achievement gaps
among students, increasing retention and graduation rates.
We've become a leader in academic transformation as
we implement strategies to help our students achieve
even higher levels of success.
We've become the go-to place for other higher
education organizations looking for ways to use
resources more effectively and efficiently, and we've
raised more than 2.1 billion in private gifts
through our successful federated campaign.
Above all, we have achieved greater
excellence in the quality of our academic programs,
our research programs, community service and
contributions to the state's economic development.
As I step down June 30 and Bob Caret assumes the
leadership of our university system on July
1, we all should be confident that the future
of the University System of Maryland and its
critical role in the state of Maryland's advancement
will be in excellent hands.
With Bob's 29 years at Towson University, eight
years as president, he knows Maryland well.
And with his many years of success leading
institutions, most recently as president of
the University of Massachusetts System, he
cares deeply about public higher education.
Let me close by expressing once again my deep
gratitude to all members and friends of the
University System of Maryland community.
Because of you, our university system is a
great place to teach and learn, innovate and
discover, and serve society.
Farewell and best wishes to each and every one of you.
