Chancellor's Communications 2023
Dec. 4, 2023
Virtual Coffee with Chancellor Stefani Hicswa
December 7
11:30 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m.
Drop in for a few minutes or stay the entire time!
Oct. 17, 2023
Dear Campus Community:
October is national Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
In today’s work environment, we are more susceptible than ever to attacks such as phishing and social engineering that do significant harm to companies and individuals. Cybercriminals are constantly changing tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities.
On Wednesday, October 18th (tomorrow), you will receive an email from MSUB IT that will direct you to the website KnowBe4. Following the instructions, you will need to enter your MSUB email address to receive your personalized link to access the training. The training will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Over the last several years, I have completed KnowBe4 training and found it very informative and engaging.
All MSUB employees are required to complete cybersecurity training this year.
The deadline for completion is May 8th, 2024.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Oct. 11, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Please join me this Thursday, October 12, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for virtual coffee. I look forward to catching up.
Join me virtually on Teams.
I look forward to "seeing" you then!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Sept. 6, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
After a national search, I am pleased to announce the selection of Brandon Irby as
the director of University Communications & Marketing. He will assume the role on
October 2.
As the director of University Communications & Marketing, Brandon will oversee all
marketing and communications from MSU Billings. He will also play a vital role in
moving forward the institution’s branding efforts and serve on the Chancellor’s Cabinet.
Brandon has a history within higher education and previously served as the director
of Communications and Marketing at Rogers State University in the Tulsa, Oklahoma,
area from 2019-2022. Under his guidance, RSU transitioned the Office of Public Relations
to the Office of Communications and Marketing, expanding the department’s services
and growing the department’s members to elevate and advance awareness of the university’s
impact throughout northeast Oklahoma.
Currently, he is the director of Communications and Marketing for Muskogee Public
Schools, where he is a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and oversees the communications
and marketing for a public K-12 school with 13 school sites and approximately 5,000
students. Brandon has previously held roles at the Claremore Industrial and Economic
Development Authority and the Innovation Center at Rogers State University.
Brandon holds a Master of Science in Media Management with an emphasis in Public Administration
through Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication
at Rogers State University. He additionally holds certificates in economic development
through the University of Northern Iowa and new media strategy through the National
Center for Economic Gardening. He has served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma
College Public Relations Association and as a member for the Oklahoma State Regents
for Higher Education Communicators Council.
Brandon is married to Lauren (Hager) Irby, a native of Belgrade, Montana, with whom
he shares two children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors camping,
hiking, and skiing.
I look forward to having Brandon join us at MSUB. His background and expertise will make an immediate impact on our communications, marketing, and branding efforts throughout the institution. Please help me in welcoming him to our campus in the coming weeks.
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
August 8, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
It has been a busy summer filled with preparation and planning to welcome our students
back to campus this fall. I look forward to seeing you all at the State of the University Address on Thursday, August 24, at 9:00 a.m. in Petro Theatre, starting with coffee, tea, and donuts at 8:30 a.m. in the Petro Theatre lobby. I will highlight our many accomplishments from the past
year, talk about what to expect in the upcoming year, and discuss why I am so grateful
to be part of MSUB.
Immediately following the address, the Where in the Hive Campus Information Fair will take place in Peaks to Plains Park showcasing many of our student services departments.
This fair will help us become more versed in what we offer our students so we can
all be better equipped to support them. At 2:00 p.m., please join us on Microsoft Teams for the Know the Nest event. This virtual gathering will feature updates from many areas on campus. Then
starting at 4:00 p.m., I will host an All-Campus Open House at the Chancellor’s residence. Your families are welcome. Please park in the Normal
Avenue parking lot adjacent to my backyard where all the festivities will be.
I also invite you to learn more about Welcome Week and to look at the Fall Convocation Calendar.
I look forward to seeing you all.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
July 17, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
As you may already know, McDonald Hall is owned by the MSUB Foundation. MSUB has leased
the facility from the Foundation to house the College of Business for many years.
Our recent strategic resource reallocation work identified this arrangement as one
for which a more cost-effective option should be explored. Provost Eskandari appointed
a Space Analysis Task Force to review various academic and instructional spaces on
campus; among the group's priorities was making a recommendation for an alternative
location for the College of Business within our facilities. I am pleased to announce
that the College of Business faculty and staff will vacate McDonald Hall and move
to the College of Education Building this summer.
It is important to note that this move does not reflect downsizing of the College
of Business or any other college, department, or program; rather, it is an opportunity
for better integration of student and faculty communities, as well as for interdisciplinary
and cross-disciplinary collaborations. In addition to allowing us to strategically
reallocate approximately $700,000 per year in support of students, faculty, and staff,
this move will bring about additional benefits, including greater opportunities for
students to engage in co-curricular learning activities, enhancing opportunities for
faculty to form learning communities, and fostering interdisciplinary faculty collaborations
pursuing research, scholarly, and creative activities.
New locations have been found for all classes previously held in McDonald Hall thanks
to excellent work from the Registrar's Office. This fall, we will begin the planning
process to select a new name for the building that will house the College of Education,
College of Business, Honors Program, Montana Center for Inclusive Education, Institute
for Neurodiversity, Military and Veterans Success Center, and Disability Support Services.
The timing of this opportunity is ideal, as the Foundation has been approached by
several Billings businesses interested in long-term lease options. Therefore, this
move will benefit the Foundation as well. I am pleased with the great partnership
we have with our Foundation and the options this allows.
I appreciate everyone who has been involved in the planning process and thank them
for all their work to make this exciting strategic initiative come to fruition.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
May 24, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
It is with sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Dr. Sheila Stearns. Dr. Stearns served as interim chancellor at MSUB and has held various leadership roles in the MUS. I worked for her as a work study student when she was the UM Alumni Director in the 1980s. She has been one of my mentors throughout my career. Most recently, she hosted a reception to welcome me to the Billings community and introduce me to potential partners and donors. I know that many of you were impacted by Dr. Stearns’ work at MSUB and for Montana. I want to share with you the following email from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and their reflections on Dr. Stearns’ career and life:
"The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education today notes the passing of longtime Montana education leader Dr. Sheila M. Stearns.
Stearns, who served as Commissioner of Higher Education from 2003-2012 and president of several universities, passed away yesterday while hospitalized in Arizona with an illness and with family at her side. She had recently traveled to Arizona to attend a higher education meeting and to watch one of her grandchildren compete in a collegiate athletic event.
In addition to serving as Commissioner of Higher Education, Stearns served as Vice President and acting President of the University of Montana, Provost (president-equivalent at the time) of (then) Western Montana College of the University of Montana, President of Wayne State College in Nebraska, and acting Chancellor of Montana State University Billings.
The Montana Board of Regents in 2012 conferred upon Stearns the title Commissioner Emerita and noted:
The hallmark of Commissioner Stearns’ nine-years of service as commissioner has been her vision to expand educational opportunities for Montanans with a keen focus on quality and affordability. Each institution in the Montana University System owes a measure of its strength to initiatives led by Commissioner Stearns in a direction toward institutional and student success. Each college and university in our system is better today because of her expectation and empowerment for each institution to be a strategic provider of educational opportunity, quality, and affordability. In turbulent times, strong leaders make the persuasive case that risks are worth taking. Often, the best foundation for innovation is built where decision making is strategic and collaborative. Commissioner Stearns nurtured an operating environment in the Montana University System that enabled our colleges and universities to be proactive and bold in many ways.
The vision that set the foundations for these innovations came from a wealth of treasured experience. Commissioner Stearns served as the Montana University System’s chief executive officer since 2003 and served previously in president and vice president capacities for two decades in Nebraska and Montana. The lion’s share of her career has taken place in the public arena in advocacy for state support of higher education, and in delivering for students. It is her unique blend of leadership and wisdom from both a campus and system perspective that inspires campus communities in Montana to buy into and achieve under such vision and initiative. Her communication skills and rapport with the citizenry and public policy makers have contributed greatly to each institution gaining a more positive image within its community."
Information about arrangements and memorials will be shared when available. Please join me in extending deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Stearns.
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
May 15, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Effective Thursday, May 11, 2023, the national public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. This announcement comes as a result of the declining numbers of cases and hospitalizations across the country, as well as the widespread availability of vaccines.
While we are encouraged by this news, COVID-19 continues to affect our community. Please stay vigilant in your efforts to protect yourself and our community. By practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when you’re sick, and disinfecting your work area surfaces, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Moving forward, we will stay informed and responsive to further changes and updates as we continue to share communication. Support and resources can be found on campus through Student Health Services and the RiverStone Health website.
This health emergency was a significant disruption on various levels and was experienced differently by each of us. Thank you for how you supported and continue to support those around you. Those stories of resiliency and grit are part of what makes our campus community so special.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
April 21, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
MSU Billings is a close-knit campus community. We care for and watch out for one another. That is just one of the reasons MSUB is a special place in which to serve.
There was an isolated classroom incident last week. Please be aware the University has taken swift measures to address the situation. We take the safety of our students, faculty, and staff very seriously.
As the end of the semester is drawing to a close, it can be a stressful time. EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits are available to all Montana University System employees and their household members at NO COST to you. The EAP offers confidential advice, support, and practical solutions to real-life issues. You can access these confidential services by calling the toll-free number at 866-750-1327 and speaking with a consultant. Or visit the EAP website and enter the Access Code: MUS. As always, employees can stop by Room 310 in the Administration Building or call Human Resources at 406-657-2278 for further assistance or questions.
If you see something and are concerned about your wellbeing or that of another MSUB community member, please do not hesitate to call the University Police at 406-657-2222. If you would like to report a concern that is not urgent, please visit the See Something, Say Something page for follow up by a University official.
We look forward to commencement in just over two weeks from today to celebrate our students and the conclusion of this academic year.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
March 30, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Your involvement and service within our community is important information that informs our strategic planning, community engagement, accreditation, and most importantly, MSUB’s relationship with Billings and surrounding communities.
To ensure that we are accurately capturing the impact you are making in our community, we are asking you to track any volunteer work or community service or involvement, such as serving on boards, blood drives, advocating for others, etc., through the Service Sting form found on the Center for Engagement’s website.
While we will send an annual reminder to log your service hours, you can submit the Service Sting form as many times as you would like to log service hours. For example, after you have completed five service hours, you can fill out the form and submit it and continuously do so each time you complete service hours. Alternatively, you can track your hours throughout the year on your own and at the end of the year, add the total hours in one Service Sting form.
Community service plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of our university. By participating in community service, you are helping to create a culture of service and giving, which is a key component of our institution's values. It is through community service that we demonstrate our commitment to improving the world around us and leaving a positive impact.
Thank you for all you do for our students and the Billings community. We look forward to showcasing this data.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
March 27, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Thank you to all who participated in our fifth annual ‘Jacket Giving Day. Over 140
faculty, staff, and students supported ‘Jacket Giving Day this year. Thanks to our
campus and community support, we raised over $77,000! The funds you helped raise will
bring student programs and projects to life, which will advance student success at
MSUB.
This year, our three campaign focus areas were Critical Need, Academic Centers & Institutes,
and Yellowjacket Athletics. The top three projects in each area with the most donors
received additional dollars. We also received additional participation awards sponsored
by MSUB's ‘Jacket Leadership Team and MSUB’s Foundation Board of Directors.
Project winners are as follows
- Areas of Critical Need ($1,000): MSU Billings Student Crisis Fund
- Academic Centers & Institutes ($1,000): Yellowstone Building Outdoor Learning Space
- Yellowjacket Athletics ($1,000): Yellowjacket Track & Field / Cross Country
- Most Faculty/Staff/Student Support ($550): Yellowstone Building Outdoor Learning Space
- Most Alumni Support ($250): Yellowjacket Track & Field & Cross Country
- Areas of Critical Needs Popular Vote ($1,500): General Athletic Scholarships
We truly appreciate all the support you provide MSUB. Not only financially, but in
all areas. Because of you, we can create greater opportunities for our students and
enhance their success.
Thank you and Go ‘Jackets!
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Krista Montague
President & CEO, MSUB Foundation & Alumni
March 21, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Please join me this Thursday, March 23, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for virtual coffee. I look forward to catching up.
Join me virtually using this Webex link.
I look forward to "seeing" you!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
March 16, 2023
Dear Campus Community:
After a national search, I am happy to announce that Leslie Weldon has been selected
for the permanent position of Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, effective
immediately. This position oversees the business, finance, and operations department
of the institution. Leslie has been serving as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration
and Finance since October 2022 and the year prior, served in a project management
role for MSUB.
Leslie has a long history as a leader in Montana higher education with expertise in
human resources, advancement, information technology management, financial aid administration,
leadership development, employee engagement, and project management. She has served
in various roles and on various committees at universities and community colleges
around the state and region. She also served as MSUB’s Director of Financial Aid from
2009-2014.
Prior to returning to MSU Billings, Leslie served Dawson Community College as the
Vice President of Advancement and Human Resources. She has a Master of Arts in Education
Administration and Curriculum from Gonzaga University and a B.A. from the University
of Montana.
I am thrilled to have Leslie in this role as she brings valuable experience, which
will help enhance our university. We are fortunate to have her back at MSU Billings
in this important capacity.
I would also like to thank the search committee for conducting a thorough search process.
Please join me in congratulating Leslie on her new role.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
March 2, 2023
Dear Friends:
I have terrific news to share with you about our spring 2023 semester enrollment. This spring, our Native American student enrollment increased by 13.7% largely due to a 19-percentage point increase in student retention. Our veteran and military-affiliated student retention increased by 11.1%, enrollment grew by 22%, and the number of students receiving military benefits jumped by 40%. Our dual enrollment program saw the highest enrollment increase in our history with nearly a 10% growth. Our programs in finance, computer programming and application development, athletic training, and psychology are also growing.
This past year, we have worked hard to increase our student retention through intentional strategic initiatives set by our comprehensive retention plan, which establishes retention targets. MSUB has consistently exceeded these targets and we look forward to continuing our forward momentum. We have launched robust retention initiatives which offer our students in-depth support to ensure their continued success at MSUB. These intentional efforts increased retention for first-generation students (5%), Pell-eligible students (7.3%), and non-traditional students (4.2%). I am extremely proud of the work our faculty and staff have done to move our retention initiatives forward. We have already seen such a difference in our student retention this past year, and it is rewarding to know that more of our students are on track to complete their college degrees.
We also hosted a Virtual Career and Internship Fair, with over 30 businesses participating. The fair helped many of our students and alumni learn about internship and career opportunities while giving businesses an opportunity to network with prospective employees and interns.
Last month, we were thrilled to host our annual Jazz Festival, where we packed the house and heard from guest artist Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca. Leading up to the festival, junior high and high school student jazz ensembles participated in adjudications and clinics at MSUB, learning from masters in the field. This is such a quality experience for students, and we are lucky to have such talented and dedicated music professionals.
We also held our annual Faculty Excellence Celebration, which highlights the excellence of our faculty members in their teaching, community service, research, and scholarship. This year, over 30 faculty members received honors for their exemplary contributions.
Our men’s and women’s basketball teams have done extremely well this season, and could both make it to the NCAA West Regional Tournament together, which has not happened since 1998. I am so proud of our teams and wish them luck! You can follow their journey toward the Elite Eight starting this week with the GNAC Tournament. Our men play Friday at 1 p.m. followed by our women at 6:15 p.m.
Coming Up at MSU Billings
We have many incredible upcoming public events. Tomorrow, we kick off our annual Science Expo, which is a regional science fair open to students in grades 1-12 in our 24-county region. Students enter their science projects and compete for gifts, cash prizes, awards, scholarships, and for an opportunity to compete at the Montana State Fair and on the international stage at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas—all at no cost due to the generosity of the Expo’s sponsors. The public is welcome to view the science projects, and attend the awards ceremony and the Atomic Circus show.
On March 4, our City College automotive instructor Kat Pfau is hosting a free Women in Automotive workshop for the community. Women will learn about basic car repair and maintenance of oil, coolant, brake conditions, and how to change a tire and measure tire pressure.
Our spring Library Lecture Series kicks off on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Petro Theatre on our university campus. The theme is Voices of Billings, and the first lecture will focus on a 1908 graduate of Billings High School, Hazel Hunkins Hallinan, who was one of the most influential feminist leaders of the 20th century.
MSUB’s Outdoor Adventure Leadership program has partnered with the Women’s Adventure Film Tour to showcase short, inspiring films featuring women doing amazing things in the outdoors on March 23 at 7 p.m. in Petro Theatre. Get your tickets.
Autism Awareness month takes place in April. To kick the month off, Michael McCreary, a comedian with autism, will be performing on March 29 at 7 p.m. in Petro Theatre. Michael is an actor, author, and TEDx speaker who has been performing standup comedy since age 13. In the past eight years, he has performed stand-up shows and keynote addresses in every province in Canada and across the United States.
On March 30, our 18th annual International Food Fair is taking place from 5-7 p.m. in Rimrock Café, located in the Student Union Building on our university campus. The fair is a fantastic opportunity to try cuisine from 11 different countries. The food is prepared and served by our international students and many of them will be dressed in their traditional clothing and have displays to showcase their country.
On April 1 from 1-4 p.m., our City College campus is hosting a public Health and Safety Open House, which will showcase state-of-the-art training equipment our students use in our health and safety programs. Follow us on social media for more information.
As you see, your university is doing incredible things. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram,or LinkedIn to engage with us on a more regular basis and to see what we are up to. We invite you to join us at our events and be part of our Yellowjacket community.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
March 1, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Our fifth annual ‘Jacket Giving Day is coming up on Thursday, March 23, and we are positively Buzz-ing with excitement!
This two-day crowdfunding event supports the projects and programs that mean the most at MSUB. This year’s ‘Jacket Giving Day focuses on three major categories: Areas of Critical Needs, Academic Centers & Institutes, and Yellowjacket Athletics – with over 28 projects. From program expansion and equipment upgrades to scholarships to help our students get a head start, there is something for everyone to support on ‘Jacket Giving Day.
Below are some project highlights:
TRIO/SSS Textbooks for Students: The TRIO SSS program (on both the University and City College campuses) assists income eligible students. They provide a free textbook "rental" program for students. Funds donated toward the Textbook Program would allow students access to textbooks for their classes who oftentimes cannot afford the cost – helping with retention and graduation initiatives. Without textbooks, students cannot be successful in classes where they are required.
Native American Achievement Center: Support for the Annual MSUB Powwow, April 21 & 22, 2023: The Powwow is an opportunity for the entire community to be immersed in Native American culture. Supporting MSUB’s Powwow will help continue our tradition of showcasing dance, music, art, and other unique aspects of Native American culture.
College of Health Professions and Science: The MSUB Memorial Landscape in honor of Norm Schoenthal: This project supports landscaping around the Yellowstone Science and Health Building to pay tribute to Dr. Norm Schoenthal, a former MSUB science professor, and influential individual in Billings. He was instrumental in creating the Yellowstone River Parks Association which owns and maintains over 1,000 acres of land along the Yellowstone River. The Memorial Landscape will include a memorial where his impactful contributions made to the sciences at MSUB and alumni will be recognized.
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Exhibiting Artist and Residency Program: MSUB’s goal is to increase more community-based art programs and support and host visiting artists such as international sculptor Foon Sham, to create unique artwork at MSUB.
College of Business: The Roberta Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund: This project will increase the Roberta Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund to provide meaningful scholarships to business students. Roberta was an administrative assistant in MSUB’s College of Business for over 12 years and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure student success.
MSUB Student Crisis Fund: Initiated on August 23, 2021, the MSUB Student Crisis Fund has been helping students overcome financial challenges by providing the emergency funds they need. Students from all walks of life make a commitment to further their education at MSUB, and sometimes the unexpected happens. There is story after story of how circumstances beyond a student’s control put them in a situation where they needed a little help to get back on track to continue on their academic journey. Awards typically are a few hundred dollars, but the impact is worth far more. Often, it is the difference between continuing their education or going home.
MSUB Athletics: From remodeling the Men’s Basketball locker room, and upgrading the branding in the Athletics hallway, to individual projects from each of our athletic teams, you will certainly find a project you are passionate about to support in athletics.
Check out the complete list of projects.
We are looking forward to March 23 and seeing these projects come to fruition. Even small gifts can make a huge impact. Every donor counts toward our goal of engaging 900 people to support MSUB.
With participation in mind, we have some special challenges in place for our projects. Each project has an opportunity to earn bonus dollars by attracting the most donors to their cause. The three projects (one from each area) with the most donors can win an additional $1,000! Additional prizes include the project with the most faculty engagement ($250) and the most alumni engagement ($250)!
In the meantime, please help spread the word about these projects and ask your friends and family to donate on ‘Jacket Giving Day. Forward the emails you receive, and share our posts from the MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts.
Visit the ‘Jacket Giving Day website today to read about the projects and programs you can support, see how to join the buzz on social media, and make a gift that will make a lasting impact here at MSU Billings.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Krista Montague
President & CEO, MSUB Foundation & Alumni
Jan. 17, 2023
Dear Campus Community,
Please join me this Thursday, Jan. 19 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for virtual coffee. I look forward to catching up.
Join me virtually using this Webex link.
I look forward to "seeing" you!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Jan. 13, 2023
Dear Campus Community:
This Monday, January 16, we join the nation in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a day to reflect on the watershed moment that occurred in our nation’s history more than 50 years ago, led by Dr. King, and a day to remind us that we continue to stand in solidarity with those who fight for human rights. Dr. King was a civil rights leader, activist, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to all of us.
Though we have seen many positive changes in our country, unfortunately systemic racism persists in our society. At MSU Billings, our mission is to deliver a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed. This means that we must ensure that tolerance, diversity, inclusion, and free expression of ideas are among our core values. We must strive to always do better.
At MSU Billings, we continue to make efforts to be more inclusive of all students, staff, and faculty and continue the journey to bring equity and inclusion to all aspects of our university. Last year, I formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion taskforce to recommend activities and initiatives for MSU Billings to engage in to increase DEI in our campus community.
On January 16, we are holding our annual Bell Ringing Ceremony to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Please join us at 9:45 a.m. at Peaks to Plains Park for the ceremony. The Power of One Week also begins this day, which pays homage to the life and legacy of Dr. King through a weeklong series of events. This year’s theme is Celebrating Diversity.
As Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” In his honor, ask yourself what matters. Then find a way to uplift and propel forward those things you have decided to be worth your effort.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.
Chancellor