Carnegie Mellon University

June 1, 2017

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community,

I write to inform you that after four rewarding and productive years as part of this community, I will be stepping down as president of Carnegie Mellon University on June 30. My wife Mary and I have reflected on the long-term commitment needed to implement the university’s strategic plan, and we feel Carnegie Mellon would be best served now by a president who is ready to make that extended commitment to generating resources and guiding the university toward reaching these objectives.

I am proud of what we have achieved together during this time. Through a year-long effort touching all parts of campus and beyond, we created the strategic plan that is already resulting in concrete progress. Together we have put renewed emphasis on student access, including the creation of Presidential Scholarships and Fellowships, providing financial aid to undergraduates and graduate students. We have seen the historic expansion of campus, including the opening of Scott Hall, the Cohon University Center addition, the Hamburg Hall addition, and the debt-free financing of the David A. Tepper Quadrangle. I am proud to see the growing commitment to excellence across the university’s fields and endeavors, led by our outstanding faculty, staff and students, and our renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Mary and I have immensely enjoyed the time we have spent with students at all stages in their CMU education, in a variety of venues. We commend you for your outstanding work, and wish you all the best as you pursue your careers and lives. We also wish to extend our thanks to the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni, parents, academic leaders, administrative leaders, trustees, friends and the philanthropic leaders, especially in Pittsburgh’s vibrant foundation community, who contribute to CMU’s excellence.

I knew long before I came here that Carnegie Mellon is a special place, and it has been an unforgettable experience for Mary and me to join this community and work with so many of you. Even as we depart for new opportunities, we will always take CMU with us.

With best wishes,

Dr. Subra Suresh
Henry L. Hillman President’s Chair
Carnegie Mellon University