As we celebrate UW’s 4th annual Global Month, I’m proud of the many ways in which our community is globally engaged, and excited for the possibilities as we seek new ways to connect and partner with colleagues, communities and institutions around the world.
Presidential Blog
The 2022 Annual President’s Address “Accelerating change for the public good: Expanding the role of public research universities”
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Annual President’s Address. Our university creates impact for the public good in countless ways, and we have the power to expand and accelerate that impact at an even greater scale.
Celebrating the determination and diverse pathways of UW transfer students
Across our three campuses, we are committed to being welcoming, accessible communities in which our many transfer students can thrive throughout their academic journeys and during Transfer Student Celebration Week, we have the chance to both celebrate our transfer students and examine how we can meet their distinctive needs even more effectively.
Iran’s violent oppression of women and protesters underscores that women’s rights are human rights
As the world witnesses the escalating oppression, abuse and even murder of peaceful protesters in Iran by the Iranian government, we are all reminded that women’s rights are human rights.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of what unites us all
National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the very best of what our nation aspires to be: a place that welcomes immigrants and their descendants, and celebrates multiculturalism, weaving diverse cultures and traditions into our national fabric for the betterment of all.
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.
Ruling overturning Roe v. Wade will have significant impacts, but won’t change rights in Washington or at the UW
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, ushering in dramatic changes to reproductive freedom. It is profoundly distressing and concerning for many members of our community, including myself, and raises equally troubling concerns about what this may mean for other human rights that we believed were established and inviolable.
This Pride Month, let’s celebrate and continue the fight for equality
Pride Month is a chance to honor the work and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people who have led the fight for dignity, safety and equality and to celebrate our right to be our authentic selves.
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black liberation and continue the fight for equality
I encourage everyone to take the occasion of Juneteenth to celebrate Black liberation and reflect on what changes must take place for our nation and world to become equitable and inclusive. Through our shared commitment and effort, the journey toward Black liberation will continue.
Celebrating an extraordinary year of returning traditions and new norms
This week marks the end of our academic year and a joyful return to many of the spring traditions that were on hiatus during the worst years of the pandemic.