Dear members of the Drew community,
It is such a pleasure to reach out today as I join the Drew community.
I have officially arrived, and I could not be happier. This morning as I walked from Hilltop House to Mead Hall, I took time to absorb the beauty of campus and the magnitude of the moment. My family will be arriving throughout the summer and early fall, and I cannot wait for them to get to know Drew.
Over the past months, I have learned many things about this stellar institution — its roots in theology, the importance of continued education in Caspersen, and the College’s commitment to the liberal arts and to preparing students for their futures. I have met members of Drew’s world-class faculty, the incredibly devoted administration and staff, and the students who give me hope for a brighter tomorrow across the globe. At every turn, I have felt both a sense of the familiar and an invigorating newness. I realize there is still so much to know, but from all I have seen, I am beyond excited to join you.
Drew’s current strong position is due, in large part, to the dedicated and tireless work of the faculty and staff over the past several years. Today, I stand on the shoulders of all that came before. What I bring with me is a commitment to continuing the University’s heartfelt mission — to cultivate the whole person, to offer an immersive education, and to add to the world’s good by prioritizing social justice and imaginative and rigorous thought. These are values that mean a great deal to me personally and dovetail with the work I have done throughout my career.
I also bring a commitment to collaborating with all of you to make Drew University even stronger and more vibrant than ever before. We can achieve great things, ensure the recognition we deserve, and meet the needs of our remarkable students. I am so looking forward to taking these next steps together.
Of course, my early weeks and months will be spent right here in Madison, figuring out which path leads to which building and how to get to the right faculty office for a meeting. But once the academic year is in full swing, I also plan to be out on the road, meeting our worldwide network of alumni, families, and friends, and starting to tell the story of our many strengths and our potential for a very bright future. Drew is clearly a beautiful place, but what makes it special is the people, and it will be an honor to get to know you as you get to know me. Please stop and say hello when you see me on campus (or on the sidelines while cheering on our Ranger athletes!).
Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly to Drew. And thank you for being part of this truly exceptional community.
Most sincerely,
Hilary L. Link
President