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Mark Richards to step down as provost in summer 2023

As we approach the start of the academic year next month, I’m writing to let you know 2022–23 will be Mark Richards’ last year as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Mark plans to step down as provost in summer 2023, after he completes his five-year term in the position. He will retain his position as professor of Earth and Space Sciences in the College of the Environment and continue his research and teaching as a geophysicist.

Responding to community concerns about policing on campus

As our nation once more grapples with the epidemic of police violence against Black people and systemic racism more broadly, many faculty, students, staff and other community members have expressed concerns about policing on the Seattle campus, including about the UW Police Department’s relationship with the Seattle Police Department.

An unprecedented year reminds us that higher education can lead meaningful, lasting change

This weekend we celebrated a commencement like no other. It was the first of two ceremonies for the Class of 2020 — and I know we all look forward to celebrating next year in person — but our broadcast to thousands of graduates across the region and around the world was nonetheless steeped in an especially poignant blend of meaning and joy.

Guest post: Emerging scientists at AAAS annual meeting are essential to the future

Our university is proud to be a sponsor and host for the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting, the world’s largest general scientific gathering. To learn more about the work of some of the youngest scientists participating, I hope you’ll read Provost Mark Richard’s guest blog post.

Provost’s Town Hall offered insight and vision

I had the pleasure of attending Provost Mark Richards’ first Town Hall yesterday and his talk was a great demonstration of his thoughtful but action-oriented leadership. His talk showed how quickly he has zeroed in on our incredible strengths as a leading global research university while offering a realistic assessment of the areas in which we can – indeed must – invest more time, energy and, yes, money if we are to have an even greater impact.