Dear Colleagues,
On April 26th, many of you joined me at the Spring Faculty Address, hosted by the University
Senate. This “armchair discussion” between me, Provost James Stellar, and Vice President for
Research James Dias, moderated by Senate Chair Cynthia Fox resulted in a very rich and robust
discussion about the future of the University.
I would like to thank the Senate for this opportunity for a conversation focused on expanding
academic offerings and enrollment growth as the key strategies for reaching the next level of
excellence as a public research university. And grow we must, because it is clear that what has
allowed us to get where we are in the past will be insufficient to get us where we need to be in
the future.
Dr. Fox opened the conversation with a critical question about the future of the arts, humanities
at UAlbany given an academic landscape where much of the growth is in STEM fields. I cannot
think of a more timely topic—in the context of how we will grow, compete, and thrive in the
current environment.
The arts and humanities are critical disciplines that are the core of a comprehensive research
university, and enhancing our ability to support these essential fields is part of the reason that
the University must grow. As we attract a new cohort of students to in high-demand degree
programs like engineering and health sciences, we will be able to better finance our mission for
the benefit of the entire University.
We also discussed the need—especially during this time of growth—to invigorate our cultivation
of faculty excellence. Two areas where I see immediate possibility for improvement are
enhanced support through tenure and promotion and developing a better process to recognize
faculty achievements with nominations for prestigious national and international awards.
To continue key aspects of the conversation that began at the Spring Faculty Address, in early fall
2016, I will be convening a President’s Critical Conversation on the topic of the role of the arts
and humanities in our vision of UAlbany future. I look forward to working closely with faculty as
we navigate this fundamental question.
Again, I thank the University Senate for hosting this significant forum, and all of you for your
partnership and your leadership as we move UAlbany forward.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Jones
President
