Well, here we are. Mid-winter, mid-pandemic, and I am completing my second year as a regent. Despite the bizarre, surprising, and sometimes unsettling turns of events over the past couple of years, I feel as though I am finding my way a bit better. 

This year I had the pleasure of joining the Academic Affairs Committee, which is more in my area of expertise.

Since COVID-19 changed how the whole university had to work, I am hoping to have another year on the committee to get deeper into non-pandemic-related issues. Of course, it may take another year for us to really emerge from this crisis, but I tend to be an optimist. With the right leadership, the right focus, initiative and resources, it’s entirely possible that higher education can emerge better and stronger.

The first meeting of 2021 is coming up on February 12^th, where we will elect new officers and make committee assignments for the year. We’ll be seeing new Regent faces such as, Dr. Jack Stark, and familiar ones such as Tim Clare. Personally, I think the rotations both within the Board and with elections gives us the opportunity to look with fresh eyes at the things that need to get done.

As though it’s the first day of school, I find myself excited about all the possibilities.

For example, I’m really looking forward to sharing more about a number of new programs and degrees in the coming weeks. One such degree in process is a new Master’s Degree in supply chains, which I think is fascinating and highly useful in our modern world. The issues around getting syringes, vaccines, PPE, ventilators, and oxygen in the right numbers to the places they are needed is a perfect, practical example.

And in addition to new programs and degrees, there’s an institute you are definitely going to want to hear more about. Have I piqued your curiosity yet?

So while I wait with bated breath to discover which committees I’ll be assigned to this year, perhaps you can reflect on what has helped you – and can help us – to continue navigating toward a better future.

*Barbara’s thoughts as written by Kate based on weekly (fascinating) conversations.