How exciting it is to welcome more than 2,500 undergraduate students, 1,424 graduate students, 205 medical students, 463 Law students and 150 faculty as our newest ’Canes. I certainly don’t underestimate the depth and breadth of the changes they face, especially during these first weeks. They are truly in the midst of a transformational shift where everything feels new—and I mean everything—from the campus, to the next level of academic and professional expectations. They are opening to new perspectives—from the way people look and express themselves, to the way the sun shines and the food tastes.
A little over a year ago, I too was a new ’Cane, coming to the University of Miami from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. My life was transformed as I went from serving as dean of engineering, to being named the U’s new provost. From the routine to the extraordinary, in the span of 12 weeks everything became “new” when I arrived on campus on July 1. I said goodbye to dear friends, to 30 years of research collaborations, the home we built and raised our family in—all for a new address, a new challenge, and, most importantly, a new purpose.
Yes, change can be unsettling, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. But it can also be invigorating and reaffirming. Everything seems to fall into place, and suddenly, we know…we are where we should be.
To our newest ’Canes: We are delighted you chose us. Your hard work and planning, the support of your families and friends, all have brought you here to join this splendid and storied institution. One of the many benefits of coming to the University of Miami is the opportunity to be educated and mentored by the very people who are redefining the edges of knowledge—from science and technology, to the arts and humanities. Our community of scholars will help you discover and develop your unique talents. Our world needs you to fulfill your greatest potential, and as a dedicated faculty, we are committed to ensuring this happens.
I also want to assure you that as our newest ’Canes, you are not alone in experiencing change. You are joining a university that is also in transition, with both new and veteran leaders, all working together to fulfill our greatest aspirations.
For our students embarking on this new adventure, enjoy the moment. Don’t fear the uncertainty that comes with change. Embrace it. I have found that those things that make me uncomfortable often teach me the most about my team and myself. Tap into the many University resources that are available to you. Embrace the newness, because just on the outer edge of “uncomfortable” is learning and growth.
To our faculty and staff, I say “thank you” for an amazing first year. And now, at the launch of a new academic year, we have a lot of important work to do together. The Roadmap to Our New Century will be our call to action, a guide for us as we endeavor to create the University of Miami that our world needs.
Our future is interdependent and collaborative. The world’s problems are far too complex for any one of us to solve alone. Only by working together can we hope to shape a better future.
I look forward to our work together. If you have any comments or feedback, you can reach me at @JLDuerk on Twitter or provost@miami.edu.
Welcome to a new year—you belong at the U. Your contributions are warmly welcomed and valued.
Jeff
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Editor's note: Provost Duerk's message is part of an ongoing series of columns written by leaders from across the University.
