| Dear Lawrentians: As the new academic year begins, I am filled with pride and excitement to welcome back our returning students, faculty, and staff, and greet the exceptional Class of 2028. The generosity of kindness, talent, and commitment to excellence that define Lawrence University have been evident during Welcome Week, the first few days of classes, and at Matriculation Convocation earlier today. This year, we are proud to welcome a diverse group of new students, who hail from 34 states and 18 countries, bringing with them a wide range of perspectives. The incoming class reflects our value of inclusivity, with 18.5% of the class being first-generation college students. The incoming class also exemplifies the Lawrence commitment to academic and athletic excellence, with 13.7% Conservatory students and 38.5% student-athletes. We are also thrilled to welcome more than 50 outstanding transfer students, whose experiences and talents are a welcome addition to our campus community. These students, along with our returning Lawrentians, contribute to the intellectual and cultural richness that make Lawrence a unique and vibrant place to learn and grow. As we look ahead, we also recognize the growing complexities and challenges facing higher education today. Universities across the nation are experiencing increased political and legal scrutiny on matters such as admissions policies, tuition, curriculum, research, and diversity initiatives. This environment presents both challenges and opportunities for us as an institution committed to providing an outstanding liberal arts education. At Lawrence, our mission has always been clear: to educate students who will think critically, act with integrity, and demonstrate respect for the perspectives of others. We must navigate difficult moments by fostering a community that values open dialogue. We must remain resolute in our commitment to engender mutual kindness and cultivate respect. As public and internal pressures on institutions of higher learning continue to grow, it is essential that we stay focused on our purpose. Institutions like Lawrence exist to educate and advance knowledge. Our challenge is to honor these traditions while embracing new opportunities that prepare students for the future. In 2022, we embarked on a transformative journey, bringing together key coalitions to assess Lawrence University’s position in relation to other institutions, the evolving higher education landscape, and public discourse. With the aid of this comprehensive exploration, we developed a five-year strategic plan. We are now centered on three core priorities: academic excellence, student outcomes, and financial sustainability. Focusing on our priorities allows us to adapt to a changing world while staying true to our liberal arts roots. The initiatives we’ve launched are both challenging and exciting, and include the expansion of academic program offerings, growth in enrollment, new and renovated facilities like Fox Commons, West Campus, Harper Hall, and the Memorial Chapel, the diversification of revenue streams, and deeper integration of academic and career preparation, among others. Embracing change is never easy—it involves rethinking cherished traditions and accepting new realities. It’s a process of mourning what we leave behind but also finding joy and growth in the opportunities that lie ahead. It is an honor to serve as president, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months to come. I am confident that we will continue to make Lawrence a place where discovery, creativity, and community thrive. Sincerely, Laurie A. Carter President |