Dear Faculty and Staff,

We are working harder than perhaps we ever have, and with such a focus on addressing our challenges, it is common to overlook the fruits of our efforts. It is important to reflect on our successes, and it pleases me to report positive numbers regarding our student body.

This week, the Provost hosted a moment of celebration to announce Arcadia receiving a U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant. This funding will provide $2.25 million over the course of five years to increase student success, achievement, retention, and digital transformation. Project outcomes will be sustained by the University after the grant ends. We appreciate the good work of our community members who helped to secure this funding, moving Arcadia forward with an integrated program comprising three high-priority activities: whole-life advising, inclusive excellence inside and outside the classroom, and the career ecosystem. 

Next week, our Board of Trustees convenes for their fall meeting, where we will welcome our newest trustees to campus. Following the Board meetings, we will share with the University community the President’s Report, an annual recap that details some of the most important and impactful work at Arcadia over the past academic year. 

Finally, as we know, this year we celebrate 20 years of Arcadia University. In honor of that milestone in our esteemed history, I would like to personally welcome you, our students, our alumni, and our families to Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 8-9. I look forward to celebrating alongside you, with health and safety protocols in place, that weekend. 

As the fall semester continues, let our improved retention rate serve as a reminder of how important our daily efforts are in the success of our students. We have an opportunity to monumentally impact our students’ lives through noble and meaningful work; it is one of the more rewarding aspects of our roles, and it is something that inspires me each day.

Sincerely,

Ajay Nair, Ph.D.
President

Oct. 1, 2021