July 2007

A monthly letter from President France A. Córdova

I began my work at Purdue on July 16, and I have been looking forward to communicating with those who have a special connection to the University. I know Martin Jischke used this letter to provide you with regular updates on events at Purdue and on his own activities. I plan to do the same, although I may change the format in future letters. Martin tells me that many of you offered comments in response to his letters, and I hope you will continue to do so as I write to you.

Let me start by saying what an honor it is for me to have the opportunity to lead a great university like Purdue. In a way, Purdue influenced the course of my career. I had earned a degree in English and was planning to become a writer when I watched Purdue graduate Neil Armstrong take those first steps on the lunar surface. I was fascinated by the idea of exploring new worlds and the accomplishment of solving the many problems that led to a successful mission. This was one of the things that reawakened a childhood love of science. It led me to pursue studies and, ultimately, a doctoral degree in astrophysics. So, in a way, I already feel I have come home to Purdue. 

Many people have asked me whether I am finding a lot of surprises. Although I have a great deal to learn, the answer is no. By reputation, Purdue is one of the great public universities, and it is clear to me that the reputation is well-earned. I expected to find outstanding faculty members, highly competent administrators and staff, bright and energetic students and dedicated alumni. All of those things are here on a campus that is both beautiful and well-maintained.

But I also know that a great university must constantly work to get better. We must pursue new knowledge and constantly update the education offered to students at all levels. We also have the responsibility to share our discoveries so that they improve the quality of life for all people.

People also are asking me what my priorities will be as president. I think it's too soon to talk about those things in detail. I am in a learning and listening mode right now. I want to hear from our professors, students, administrators, alumni, state leaders and my colleagues at other universities about what is needed and what is possible. The next step will be to begin the process of developing a strategic plan that will build on the tremendous success Purdue achieved under Martin Jischke's leadership.

I do have certain things that will guide me in this process:

• I believe in student access and success. We must assure that no student misses out on the opportunity for a Purdue education because of financial concerns, and we must help them prepare for the academic challenges even before they enroll. Student success means not only earning a degree, but also having a total experience that prepares graduates to meet all the challenges of life in a competitive and diverse global society.

• I believe in interdisciplinary research and education. Scientists and engineers need a strong liberal arts grounding; students in the humanities need to be prepared for a future that will be changed constantly by science and technology.

• I believe that research is the other half of a great education. It is important that Purdue grow its research capacity. Discovery of new knowledge is what sustains progress at every level, from the local to the global. Our students' experience is enhanced immeasurably when they have the opportunity to participate in the kind of research that affects people's lives.

The challenges ahead are formidable but also extremely exciting. In the months and years ahead, I hope to be able to report on the progress of a University that not only is making itself better, but also creating new opportunities for the people of our state and nation.

My husband Chris and I have enjoyed a warm welcome to Indiana, and we hope to get to know all of you as we build our new lives at Purdue. Please let me know your thoughts about the University, and thank you for all you have done in the past.

It's great to be a Boilermaker!

Sincerely,
France A. Córdova
President

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