September 8, 2014

To the University Community:

It is with gratitude and affection for the University that I share with you my decision to step down at the end of the 2014-2015 university year. A long time ago a friend advised me to always leave a job when you still love it. That is certainly the case here.

Collectively we have accomplished what we set out to do—secure the University of Miami’s place as the next great American research university. The senior team I have had the opportunity to lead is remarkable in their skill and brilliance. The trustees have my deepest gratitude for their courage in letting me take the University on a journey of excellence that was promising, but risky. It is so easy to stand still. Pursuing greatness is not for the meek or cautious. Our faculty is as gifted as any I have worked with in higher education. Their passion for discovery, great teaching, and patient care is extraordinary. Our staff is committed, skilled, loyal, and take great pride in their work. Our students…they have energized us and give us hope for our country and the world’s future. Our alumni, supporters, and donors have made us stronger and stuck with us through thick and thin.

One of the best aspects of this job has been living in Miami, a community I knew only from childhood trips to visit grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins during the holidays. This great community is maddening, delightful, and limitless in its vitality and promise. We have worked hard to be good neighbors and civic leaders. I am personally delighted to continue to be part of its extraordinary future. Like the University, it needs to always pursue excellence with a razor-sharp focus that only great communities deserve.

This is not a goodbye letter; we have work to do. I look forward to a spectacular year.