The Start of a New Academic Year
September 1, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
The start of an academic year brings the excitement of a new beginning and reminds us of all that is possible in the months ahead. As students begin their first day of classes, we are also reminded of the important role we have in their success at Rutgers.
Each of you has worked diligently these past several months to plan for our students’ remote return this fall and to ensure they have a seamless experience. You all have contributed in extraordinary ways during a tremendous time of change for our institution, and I remain humbled and inspired by your dedication and pride for our campus and its students.
My office, too, has been busy putting in place some organizational and administrative changes this summer, including the following appointments:
- Dr. Carolyn Moehling as vice provost, effective July 1, overseeing undergraduate academic programs designed to advance student success, and partnering with leadership across the schools to encourage pedagogical innovation and experiential learning. Dr. Moehling is working closely with Provost Moghe, the deans, and my cabinet to ensure that our campus has a robust and impactful academic plan.
- Dr. Laura Lawson as the interim executive dean of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and interim director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, on July 1, where she will work closely with university leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives that reflect and advance our research, education, and outreach missions.
- Dr. Jason Geary as the dean of Mason Gross School of the Arts, effective July 1, whose leadership, scholarship, and experience in community building will continue to advance our mission to nurture the creative talent in future generations of arts professionals.
- Dr. Donna Gustafson as interim director of the Zimmerli Art Museum. In her role, Donna will oversee the museum’s exhibitions, scholarship, and community outreach and work to retain its commitment to keeping art accessible to our campus and the public.
- William (Wil) Jones as interim executive director of Career Exploration and Success, where he will continue to provide leadership for the unit, work collaboratively with campus career and experiential education providers, and ensure high-quality connections between students, alumni, and employers during a challenging employment market.
The days ahead will undoubtedly challenge us in new ways, but I have full confidence that because of your work, we will continue to meet our commitment to deliver a world-class education and build a community that flourishes despite our physical distance.
I look forward to the days we are together on campus again. In the meantime, I continue to wish you and your families good health.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Molloy, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick