To the Florida Atlantic University Community:
My name is Mary Jane Saunders, and I’m so proud to say that I have been selected to serve as the president of Florida Atlantic University. I’d like to express my thanks to the Board of Trustees for conferring this great honor upon me and declare my readiness to assume the high responsibility of leading this remarkable institution as its sixth president.
Over the past few days, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many members and friends of the FAU family, and I greatly appreciate the warm welcome that’s been extended to me by everyone. I already feel part of this vibrant academic community, and I’m looking forward to working with all of you to take this great institution to even higher levels of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
We all know that this is an especially challenging time for higher education as budget crises have slashed funding for public universities here in Florida and across the country. When President Lyndon Johnson dedicated Florida Atlantic University in 1964, he said the time was right for “a new revolution in education.” Those words carry special meaning for us today as we work to build a new prototype for the university of the 21st century, one that is characterized more by innovation than tradition and one that actively seeks new and better ways of fulfilling its critically important mission in our society. No university in America fits the definition of that prototype better than Florida Atlantic University.
This vigorous, young institution stands on the solid foundation that’s been steadily taking shape in recent years, and it looks toward a future that’s literally overflowing with potential. The University’s rapid maturation in the field of biomedical research, in partnership with such giants as Scripps, Torrey Pines and Max Planck, holds tremendous promise not only for FAU, but for all of South Florida and the entire state. My own background is in science, and I can think of no more worthy goal for a university to pursue than to become a center of cutting-edge scientific discovery. FAU is clearly on that path, and continued emphasis on development of the University’s research capabilities will be a strong focus of my presidency.
FAU’s fine faculty has long been known for high scholarly accomplishment, excellence in teaching and steadfast dedication to students. I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting many members of the faculty, staff and student body, and I look forward to engaging with many more in the months and years ahead. I deeply believe in the values of collegiality, cooperation and collaboration, and I intend to make them the hallmarks of my presidency.
I will devote my energy to keeping FAU focused on meeting the needs of students at all levels, from the first-semester freshman to the doctoral candidate. The top priority of my administration will be to keep this wonderful university growing in all ways, from increasingly comprehensive service to students to outstanding research accomplishments to truly meaningful community outreach.
I’m passionate about the future of higher education and the future of Florida Atlantic University, and I consider it the opportunity of a lifetime to lead this rapidly evolving institution as we work together to take FAU into a whole new day. I am eagerly anticipating returning to FAU to assume my duties as president.
Sincerely,
Mary Jane Saunders, Ph.D.
President-elect
Florida Atlantic University
