Change in Challenging Times: Message from new EVPP Rachel Croson

Dear Colleagues:

After many months of planning, and despite the current turmoil COVID19 has wrought, I am delighted to be starting as your new executive vice president and provost today. I’m even more delighted to have the benefit of Karen Hanson’s knowledge and wise counsel as she shifts to a role as special assistant to President Gabel through June 2020. I thank Karen for her willingness to work side-by-side with me, ensuring continuity during these tumultuous times. I know the University community will similarly appreciate her ongoing engagement during this period of transition.

As we continue to focus on the many challenges of advancing our mission during this time, the important and ongoing functions and activities of the EVPP office also continue. I rely on your partnership and your willingness to resiliently adapt, as well as the steady work of our experienced EVPP staff team. I look forward to meeting with many of you, online in the near term and in person later, as we navigate this uncharted territory together.

My arrival coincides with circumstances that are far from what any of us would ever have envisioned. Yet I take up my work feeling inspired by you all. This community continues to serve students and the state with vision, caring, creativity, and commitment. Every day you demonstrate why the University of Minnesota is one of the world’s great universities. I am honored to be joining your ranks, and am committed to helping our faculty, staff, and students do their best work through this crisis and in the years to come.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel T.A. Croson
Executive Vice President and Provost

email sent to the systemwide administrative email list (AEL) and all faculty on March 30, 2020