Listen to Learn, Learn to Lead

Happy 2019! Some days I find it difficult to believe that I am halfway through my fourth year as Whitman’s president. I began my Whitman adventure with the students who will graduate in a few months. We have learned about Whitman together.

I have learned about faculty and staff dedicated to advancing the learning of each and every student, whether in our classrooms, residence halls, co-curricular programs, athletics, on-campus employment — virtually every aspect of a student’s life at Whitman.

I have learned about students who come from all over the country and around the globe to continue satisfying their curiosity and building their readiness for a life of purpose and meaning.

I have learned about alumni who are passionate about this institution and who count other Whitties among their closest, lifelong friends. I have learned about the Walla Walla Valley and the Pacific Northwest, the region’s history, challenges and opportunities.

All of that learning has helped to inform the planning process we have used to identify the top priorities for the college for the next five to seven years. We have spent this past fall talking to alumni, parents and other friends of the college all around the country about those priorities, listening to hear which ones resonate most with each of them. You will hear more about the results of those efforts in the coming months.

Student learning remains at the core of our mission; our planning efforts are aimed at making that learning even more relevant and better in tune with 21st century needs. We must ensure that current and future Whitman students will have amazing stories of helping to meet the needs of all types of communities around the globe, just like the stories you will encounter in this magazine. Thank you for your support in making this possible.

Sincerely,