Dear Faculty and Staff,
As I compose this customary mid-summer update, the terrible news arriving from Pennsylvania weighs heavily on all of us. If there is something that can be of one accord for all Americans, it’s the fervent hope for this election year to proceed with peace and without further political violence. Our hallmark work at Longwood, preparing new citizen leaders to value and sustain peaceful democracy, matters more deeply than ever.
So it is all the more important that our practical work moves forward, as it does year by year, now into year 186 for the Alma Mater. Though we’re just at the midpoint of July, preparation for the semester is already intensely underway. I hope if you’re able you will participate in the President’s Welcome, Tuesday, August 20 in Jarman Auditorium, at 11 a.m. As usual, I’ll give an overview of a range of topics, from budget and construction to the big picture and the context for higher education in this moment. Per tradition, the parking drawing and lunch will follow. Amidst uncertainty and anxiety, the rituals and rhythms of the University provide reassurance, as do Longwood’s mission and broad-based strength. Purposeful work is a gift in life.
During these challenging years nationally, a strength that has served Longwood to great comparative advantage is the talent, and longevity, across our faculty, staff, and administration. Still, over any period of time, change is inevitable. When it comes, it’s important to think broadly – to ensure we are making the most of our people and strengths, and that they are deployed smartly to take on crucial priorities. With that in mind, I’m sharing with you today some news as we head into the new fiscal and academic year, regarding some role shifts among existing leadership and staffing.
Victoria Kindon came to Longwood in 2013, joining just after I started. As Vice President for Strategic Operations, she has modernized and transformed hugely consequential parts of the University – Marketing and Communications, Information Technology Services, Alumni and Career Services, Student Employment, University Analytics, and Enrollment Management and Admissions. Perhaps most importantly, she has been a remarkable leader – recruiting, nurturing, and retaining exceptional talent in each of these areas.
For some time now, Victoria has been eager to take on a more focused role, in particular diving into the kind of essential IT and database work she loves, understands well, and where Longwood has critical projects that need attention over the next few years. Following the close of this very successful admissions cycle for Longwood, in the face of so many national challenges, she feels the time is right. Starting August 1, she will shift to a role as CIO and senior advisor to the president, focused on IT and key projects, continuing to work especially closely with Admissions and Enrollment Management.
I have asked Jennifer Green, currently Associate VP for Enrollment Management and Student Success, to succeed Victoria as VP of Strategic Operations, enabling a seamless transition at this important juncture in the year and upcoming admissions cycle. Jennifer, in her more than dozen years here, is already the driving force behind so much that makes the Longwood engine run. Along with new duties, she will continue working her magic over her current student-centric portfolio, including working closely with Dean of Admissions Jason Ferguson and partners across campus to keep advancing Longwood’s momentum, so evident this year.
Matt McWilliams will also have a newly elevated role. For several years now, the president’s office has had just three people. In recent months, Matt has been working more directly from our office in Eason. His presence has proved immensely helpful to Chief of Staff Justin Pope, Kay Stokes and myself, enabling us to “play offense” in ways we realize must continue. So that arrangement is now official, and Matt will add “deputy to the president” to his communications role. Justin will continue as chief of staff, but with a more intentional focus on matters of critical long-term importance for Longwood, helping me advance key strategic public affairs-related priorities including state and local community relations, philanthropy and strategy.
More than 10 years ago, Victoria accepted an unusual challenge, and during the decade since has profoundly shaped Longwood for the better. She has been at the front lines with me through thick and thin, through nearly every challenge and triumph, and she is a dear friend. At a time of transition in our Information Technology operation, with the recent retirement of Mark Kendrick following 38 years of devoted service, I’m particularly grateful to her for providing continuity as CIO, with the associated array of outbound reporting and compliance duties in a churning field. That department’s critical work will continue under Strategic Operations. Associate VP for ITS Aneicia Stimpson will have expanded leadership responsibilities, and also a dotted-line report to Victoria.
Perhaps the greatest tribute to Victoria’s talents as a leader is the team of people she has built and mentored, poised now to step up and – without missing a beat – continue driving us forward.
I know the hard work of serving, and preparing to serve, our students continues through the summer, and all of you have my deepest gratitude. Truly, we are poised for a great upcoming year, with fresh momentum – through this troubled time for America and the world. I look forward to seeing you on August 20th, if not before.
Many thanks,
TR