Dear Members of the TC Community,

As we approach the July 4th holiday, I want to wish you all a safe, restful, and rejuvenating break. I also want to take a moment to reflect and express gratitude for our community.

We have much to celebrate and recognize. For the past month, our campus has been abuzz with academic conferences and several notable community events. Our Long-Term Employee Recognition Ceremony celebrated more than 70 colleagues who reached milestone TC anniversaries this year. And we commemorated Juneteenth with a wonderful cookout that began with a ribbon-cutting for wheelchair lifts facilitating greater access to our courtyard. Throughout, there was a strong sense of community and good will. I’m so proud to be leading an institution that works hard to live by our inclusive values and commitment to social justice with care and active engagement.

We also have much to look forward to. On July 5, KerryAnn O’Meara will join TC as our new Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Dean of the College. I have been in touch with KerryAnn regularly since we announced her appointment in March and am so impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness she is bringing to lead our academic program forward. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Provost O’Meara as she joins our community.

And finally, please join me in appreciation. Once again, I am grateful to William Baldwin for his tremendous work and achievements in serving as our Interim Provost since July 1, 2022. Bill will now begin his well-earned retirement following 45 years of service to the College. We wish him well. 

Thank you also to Amy Hawley Alvarez, who served as Interim Assistant Dean this past academic year. As of July 1, Amy is returning to the President’s Office with an expanded role as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Amy will continue her work overseeing the College’s partnership with the Teachers College Community School and managing the Zankel and Milman Fellowship Programs. In addition, she will direct the convocation medalist process, represent the College with partners including Columbia Community Service and Morningside Area Alliance, and work on special projects sponsored by and through the President’s Office.  

Again, my thanks to you all for everything you do to make TC such a special community, and best wishes for July 4th.

Warmly,

Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College