June 23, 2008

Welcome to Urbana University! My wife Judy and I discovered this wonderful gem just in time to enter with the Class of 2012, beginning my term as President July 1, 2008. As an entering “freshman,” allow me to tell you what attracted me to Urbana University, and why I think you ought to consider us for your university. Moving to Urbana is our tenth interstate move – we’ve sampled much of America and many universities. We’re convinced that nothing tops the promise and delivered value of Urbana University: quality education; intimate, personal, and safe setting; pleasant and attractive rural, natural environment; easy access to metropolitan amenities; engaged learning, connected to community, business, and industry; athletics and student organizations; a record of graduate success; attractive campus with new facilities; 158 years of tradition; opportunities for international experiences.

We’re preparing students for work, life, service, and citizenship in our global society. We enable and challenge our graduates to live usefully, act responsibly, and learn relentlessly. Urbana University is the kind of university where I – and YOU – can make a big difference. Judy and I will get to know our faculty, staff, and YOU – it’s that kind of place!

But don’t take my word for it! Come see for yourself -- visit us in our beautiful setting. Come prepared to be seduced by the potential for living and learning that we offer. Bring your bike along – hit the Simon Kenton Trail; you can ride a paved trail all the way to Cincinnati if you’re really ambitious! Walk the boardwalks at Cedar Bog Preserve. You can even watch the deer right on campus. Experience one of our intercollegiate athletic events. Visit the Johnny Appleseed Museum (we’re sowing seeds of success all over campus!). Watch a play. Talk to faculty or a staff member – we’re small enough that they’re there for you! Talk to some of our students – you can pick one from Springfield, Columbus, Pittsburgh, China, or Poland – they’ve already discovered us. You’ll see what brought all of us to Urbana University.

Come discover what makes Urbana University a special place – a place that’s just right for Judy and me, and for YOU!