Interim President Dietz kicks off fall semester with convocation address

Interim President Larry Dietz welcomed faculty and staff to the start of the 2024-25 academic year on Tuesday morning in Ritsche Auditorium, giving his first President's Convocation Address to kick off a week of faculty/staff development ahead of the first day of classes on Aug. 26.

Dietz's message to campus was about setting the foundation for the future. He reviewed the recently announced Comprehensive Facilities Plan, which rethinks the University's use of space to create a more vibrant, connected campus environment.

He framed his vision for the future around the Four R's: Retention, Recruitment, Revenue and Relationships, each a pillar to the University's goal of maintaining strong academic programs that produce workforce-ready graduates.

"Our work now is to focus on student success," he added. "Let's work together with shared values, shared governance and a shared commitment to students, so we can be proud when they walk across the stage as our graduates."

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Katherina Pattit and newly-elected Student Government Association President Shriyans Pradhan also spoke to the audience about their anticipation for the fall semester.

Dietz is excited about the future and what the University can accomplish during his two years as Interim President.

"It was not a difficult thing for me to come out of retirement, because I missed the opportunity a platform like this gave me to advocate for higher education," Dietz said. "I don't mind the long days, because I believe in what we do together to change lives."