Skip to main content

Fall 2021: Together Again

Written by Whitten - the blog of Pamela Whitten, President, Indiana University

August 23, 2021

Welcome to the fall 2021 semester at Indiana University -- an exciting time for all of us as we gather in person on our campuses across the state. 

My first seven weeks as president of IU have exceeded my expectations. I have received such a warm welcome from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university. I have learned that there is much to be proud of at IU, and much to look forward to as we all come together again after more than a year of remote learning and working.

As we move forward this fall, let’s focus on re-establishing the long-held traditions and strengths of IU while simultaneously keeping an open mind toward opportunities to improve our university. Let’s proceed together by focusing on our three core missions.

First and foremost, let us always place students first by ensuring that they are the center of our universe at IU. This means facilitating their success by providing the classes they need to graduate in a timely manner and prepare for future careers. It also means ensuring that we create the opportunities for them to have experiences at IU that will set them apart from other college graduates. 

Second, let us be ambitious in expanding excellence across the university in research, discovery, and creativity. At IU, our students, faculty, and staff are world leaders in discovery and creation that impacts the world.

And third, we must play a leadership role in advancing the quality of life for the residents of Indiana and beyond. We will do this across our IU campuses through contributions to the economic development of the state and the communities we serve, through our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and through our dedication to improving Hoosier health.

We have already shown how strong we are together, having navigated unprecedented challenges and reaching an overall vaccination rate exceeding 85 percent. With much to celebrate, we must also continue to be nimble and follow medical guidance in order to keep all members of the IU community together and safe during these first months of our return to campus.

We are finally all together again -- poised to accomplish what is possible at our incredible university. Best wishes for a wonderful fall semester. 

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University  

See the latest presidential news