TCNJ

TCNJ Annual Report 2017-2018

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1 Dear Friends, The pages of this Annual Report beautifully illustrate and affirm why I am so honored to be The College of New Jersey's 16th president. Although I can take no credit for the achievements and honors described, I take great pleasure in celebrating the bounty of our college and continuing our momentum in the years to come. This community strives for excellence. As the report outlines, we set a high bar and challenge ourselves to exceed it. You see that reflected in the abundant accomplishments of our students, and the exceptional work of the faculty and staff. This community also has heart. We care about one another and the world beyond our campus. The Chronicle of Higher Education again recognized TCNJ as a Great College to Work For. This year we received honors in seven categories, propelling us to the national honor roll for the first time. In the months since my arrival, I have spoken with many who have proudly shared their enthusiasm for our impressive record and expressed a desire to take TCNJ to the "next level." I share this desire. In my role as college president, and in the actions of individuals, units, departments, and boards, we will use the coming year to gain clarity and buy-in for what the next level entails. Open and inclusive conversations to achieve consensus around our direction and destination will bring confidence to our actions to advance TCNJ. Without presaging the outcome of our discussions, I glean from my early days that certain themes and questions will likely emerge: • How shall we safeguard our eminence in undergraduate education? What size shall we be, and whom shall we serve to sustain our values and identity? What menu of programs and academic practices will position the college for continued relevance and student success? What is the college's vision for graduate education? • How shall we achieve financial sustainability in light of national and state economic conditions, and our commitments to educational quality, access, and affordability? • What is the college's vision for its campus facilities, grounds, and infrastructure? How shall we plan and invest to ensure the character, functionality, efficiency, and beauty of our residential campus, at once historic and modern? • What difference shall we make in our community, region, state, and nation? How shall we be a good partner with neighbors, alumni, donors, legislators, employers, foundations, service organizations, and higher education networks? • How shall we organize ourselves to openly and inclusively talk through and make sound decisions on these and other core questions in the months and years to come? Given the exceptional talent, dedication, and spirit of this community, I have every confidence that we will tackle these questions together with ardor and wisdom. There is no one with whom I would rather work and no place I would rather be to contemplate such animating topics. Sincerely, Kathryn A. Foster President

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