January 14, 2019
Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community:
With the start of the semester, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year. I also want to share some preliminary thoughts as I begin my new role.
Through the search process I had the opportunity to reflect on Carnegie Mellon’s broad global position and our ability to attract some of the world’s brightest researchers, teachers, students and staff, who I have had the privilege of working with in my various roles at CMU.
Under the leadership of President Jahanian, Carnegie Mellon is positioning itself on the forefront of higher education by providing cross-disciplinary opportunities in research, education and creative activities that are uniquely our own. We are recognized for our groundbreaking discoveries and technologies in neuroscience, behavioral economics, policy, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, just to name a few. Our institution is distinguished for producing artists and dramatic performers who shape the entertainment field on a global stage. The collaborations we are able to stimulate across the arts, sciences and technologies will continue to add value to the world and influence the way people interact, think, live, work and learn.
Looking into the future, we see the world is changing faster and its problems are bigger than ever. The once steady expansion of knowledge has turned exponential causing new issues and opportunities to emerge. Today Carnegie Mellon stands at an exciting threshold to leverage our unique strengths and collaborative culture in this fast-changing environment.
As the chief academic officer, I will use my collective leadership experience to cultivate the best learning environment possible for all CMU students to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow, and ensure that our tradition of academic excellence continues to flourish.
I will begin by working closely with the deans, department heads, faculty, staff and students over the next few months to learn about the challenges, issues and successes of our academic departments to emerge with clear university priorities. It will take some time to consider your thoughts on important university-wide strategic priorities, such as development of a more supportive campus culture for diversity and inclusion and improvement of the CMU experience. As provost, I have been entrusted to serve the entire university community with respect and attentiveness. It is incumbent upon all of us to foster a culture that is inclusive and welcoming, and that enables us to share a broad range of perspectives.
In closing I leave you with a favorite African Proverb of mine, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I hope you share in my enthusiasm for our upcoming journey. Together we will contribute to the world through the cooperative and entrepreneurial spirit that lies at the heart of all that we do at Carnegie Mellon.
Have a great semester!
Jim Garrett
Provost
Thomas Lord Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering