GRAND FORKS - On his final day on campus, outgoing University of North Dakota President Robert Kelley sent a message thanking the community for its support during his seven and a half years as the leader of the university.
"It is with a mixture of sadness and optimism that I write what I suspect will be my last message to campus before I retire," Kelley wrote. "Sadness because Marcia and I have enjoyed our time here at UND; optimism because this great university is poised to become even more exceptional."
In his farewell letter, Kelley thanked UND students, faculty, staff and the community of Grand Forks and his wife for helping make the university "truly exceptional."
"We have enjoyed working with and getting to know some outstanding students; faculty who are widely recognized for their teaching, their scholarship and research and their involvement; our hardworking and dedicated staff; and a wonderful community that our campus can call home," Kelley wrote.
Ed Schafer, former governor of North Dakota and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, will take over as interim president Friday and will serve until June 30.
ADVERTISEMENT
The UND Presidential Search Committee is in the process of independently reviewing 37 applications for Kelley's position and will meet to discuss and narrow the list Jan. 20.
Kelley's full letter is below:
Dear Campus Community:
It is with a mixture of sadness and optimism that I write what I suspect will be my last message to campus before I retire. Sadness because Marcia and I have enjoyed our time here at UND; optimism because this great university is poised to become even more exceptional.
A lot has happened in the past seven and a half years, much of it under the Exceptional UND blueprint, which places students and their academic experiences at the center of our strategic thinking. We have enjoyed working with and getting to know some outstanding students; faculty who are widely recognized for their teaching, their scholarship and research, and their involvement; our hardworking and dedicated staff; and a wonderful community that our campus can call home.
It has been my pleasure and my privilege to have served with outstanding leaders who, building on UND's legacy, have lifted our colleges and divisions and units to new heights with new programs and enhanced programs; new buildings, additions, and renovations; and a focus on research, scholarship, creative activity and service that benefits North Dakota, the country, and the world.
I also want to extend congratulations and the very best wishes to Ed Schafer, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former North Dakota Governor, who will begin serving as Interim President on Jan. 15. Ed and Nancy have been strong supporters of the University. UND is in excellent hands during the interim period.
Finally, I want to thank Marcia, UND's First Volunteer. Marcia has served in the role of First Lady with grace, charm, wit, and engaging good humor. She deserves and gets my undying love and devotion for her tireless work during the past seven and a half years on behalf of the University.
ADVERTISEMENT
Together, Marcia and I say "Thank You" for all of your hard work to make this university truly exceptional.
With great thanks,
Sincerely,
Robert O. Kelley
President
