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Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As we have officially completed classes and formally celebrated Commencement, we are proudly writing another chapter in ���Ϲ�’s storied history. Without question, this is one of my favorite times of the year as the passion, pride, and purpose of another successful semester and academic year are evident on the faces of so many, especially our newest Monarch alumni and their loved ones. That is also true for our students, faculty, and staff, who have individually and collectively dedicated many hours in service and support of our teaching, learning, and research mission.

Moving forward, significant investments will be made in the people that make our University such a special place to learn, live, and work. With the completion of salary studies for both faculty and staff, the University is pleased to process the first phase of compensation increases this summer for those below the 25^th percentile. Additional details will be shared following implementation of an across-the-board three percent state salary increase for all eligible employees. While additional progress will be made in future budget cycles, this first step is an important one in order to invest in those who are advancing, leading, and serving across all levels of our institution.

With forthcoming finalization of a 10-year master plan pending approval by the Board of Visitors next month, our University is carefully realigning and thoughtfully redefining our footprint by modernizing existing spaces and customizing new spaces – both indoor and outdoor. With the absence of a detailed plan for nearly a decade, this ambitious, collaborative, and transformative approach is reflective of our forward-focused efforts to ensure that our campus community is well-positioned to inspire innovation, optimize opportunities, and secure success at the individual and collective levels!

These robust plans for the ideal future state of ���Ϲ� come at a critical time in which more individuals are investing in the Monarch experience. During this fiscal year, we have secured over $100 million in philanthropic giving, which marks a historic level for our University and significant progress in completing the $500 million capital campaign that we began in Fall 2022. These important investments will pave the way for additional opportunities in classrooms and laboratories, as well as communities!

Indeed, we are long-standing and proven leaders in our communities and the Commonwealth. And, for the second time in back-to-back cycles, ���Ϲ� has been designated as one of the nation’s top performing research institutions earning – yet again – the prestigious R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as defined by “very high spending and doctorate production.” In addition to our research efforts on the national scale, we have emerged as a driving force and visionary leader in artificial intelligence; healthcare and community well-being; and internships and co-ops.

As we approach the mid-point of our strategic plan implementation, “Forward-Focused: Where Innovation Meets Possibilities,” we are continuing to build momentum and make progress across our seven focal areas. In February, as part of the inaugural Forward-Focused event, I highlighted the opportunity and need to embrace and elevate the campus connection and the digital connection. As such, we are boldly redefining what it means to be a digitally intelligent institution – one where innovation drives transformation across academics, research, and operations.

Guided by a future-ready strategy, we are creating a seamless, technology-enhanced experience that empowers students, faculty, and staff alike. In academics, we are integrating flexible, asynchronous, and accelerated learning formats, alongside AI-driven technologies, immersive VR/AR experiences, multimedia enhancements, and personalized, data-informed advising. These innovations are designed to meet students where they are and elevate their learning experience. In research, we are equipping scholars with scalable cloud-based environments, intelligent research assistants, and secure digital tools that expand access to funding, accelerate discovery, and propel our R1 mission. Across operations, we are leveraging AI and automation to streamline processes, power data-driven decision-making, and align workforce development with emerging industry needs. Together, these efforts are uniting our campus under a shared vision of innovation, thereby ensuring Monarchs are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

With continued implementation of our strategic plan and forthcoming adoption of our 10-year master plan, as well as the recent expansion of our health sciences enterprise, our enduring focus on accessibility and affordability and our continued pursuit of innovation and transformation are leading our worthwhile efforts now and well into the future. Looking ahead, our next chapter will be defined by our thoughtful and timely response to the ever-changing needs of current and future generations of Monarchs. By meeting students where they are and working to reduce administrative burdens for faculty and staff, the Monarch experience will be both personalized and prioritized.

Without question, this spring has brought a renewed sense of growth and purpose to our institution with the unique opportunity to come together for a total of three groundbreakings, including the Barry Art Museum, a $25 million privately-funded expansion project; the Biological Sciences Building, a $184 million state-funded new construction; and the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, a $24 million privately-supported enhancement project. It is rare for an institution to celebrate three projects in such a short span of time, but it is even more special to place an emphasis and make an investment across the arts, academics, and athletics. This is a testament to ���Ϲ�’s long-standing commitment to provide a holistic, one-of-a-kind experience!

As we welcome the summer months with great anticipation, I extend my well wishes to all members of the Monarch Nation for an enjoyable, safe, and relaxing break. I am confident that we will all return rested and ready for the next phase of our continued journey together – one that will be defined and remembered as a period of trailblazing transformation!


With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President