(Note to TC Community: I thought you’d appreciate my recent letter to TC alumni in which I outline my plans for what I know will be an exciting year. My acknowledgment of our alums’ contributions to TC’s great progress over the past 11 years extends to all of you, whose work day in and day out has strengthened – and continues to strengthen – the College. -- SHF)

My Fellow Alums,

I’m still on a high from celebrating TC’s newest alumni at our joyous Convocation ceremonies last week. All of us who work at Teachers College profoundly admire our graduates not only for their own achievements in the discovery and application of knowledge, but also for their determination to serve the public good – especially during these uncertain times.

The commencement season is a time for celebrating past accomplishments … and contemplating new beginnings. Since 2006, I have been privileged to serve my alma mater as its 10^th President.  I have cherished the support and friendship of my fellow TC alums, whose contributions of time, talent, and treasure have helped to strengthen the College academically, physically, and financially.

Today, I am writing to let you know that I will be stepping down as President of Teachers College on June 30, 2018. That means I will have more than a year to thank you and to celebrate the best of TC with you.

That also gives us a year to conclude four critical initiatives that will position TC for eminence and leadership well into this century.

First, while I am confident that we will surge past our $300 million goal for our historic campaign, Where the Future Comes First, I am determined to reach our ambitious goals for scholarships and fellowships. Each and every one of you can join me in this endeavor and support our most talented students in their drive to serve the public good. I invite you to learn more about our scholarship campaign, and to see the difference a gift of any size can make for our students.

My second priority is to position TC for preeminence in the digital education market.  This past year, more than 20,000 people enrolled in TC’s array of online courses, programs, and institutes. That number will grow as we continue to offer more world-class programs geared especially to working professionals, starting with our alumni.

My third priority is to position TC for leadership in the booming education technology market through the work of TCEdTech, which brings our research and expertise to bear on ensuring that education technology serves students, teachers, and institutions effectively.

My fourth priority – and our biggest College-wide endeavor – will be the development of a world-class, 21^st century Civics Education Initiative that reinvents and rejuvenates civics in our schools as a catalyst for informed, responsible citizenship in our democracy. I have been heartened and energized by the conversations and work by faculty across our departments. They have been coming together to imagine a series of projects, and I look forward to more discussion and to bringing you into the conversation.

As you can see, good-byes are a long way off. Indeed, I’m just getting started on what I know will be a banner year for TC. I especially welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can best celebrate all that we have accomplished together over the past 11 years, and, as important, on how we can continue building an ever better, ever stronger Teachers College. Indeed, working together for the greater good of our alma mater will be the sweetest celebration of all! 

With warm regards and gratitude,

Susan

Published Thursday, Jun 1, 2017