As we near the end of the year, I’ve been thinking about a word that defined 2025 for me. New. New job. New home. New campus. New office. My favorite “new” was new people. For the last five months, much of my work has been focused on getting to know you, UC Riverside, and the broader communities, to listen, learn, and define how I can best contribute.

Dear Colleagues, In this season of reflection and gratitude, I’ve been reminded regularly of the power of our community through the stories we share. 

Dear Colleagues,  Having completed my first 90 days as Chancellor of UC Riverside, I want to thank you for the warm welcome and many thoughtful conversations. I have met faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners who share a commitment to excellence and access that makes UCR distinctive—and continues to fuel its forward momentum.  In earlier messages, I outlined four institutional priorities to guide our path forward: 

Dear Colleagues, It is an exciting time with all the students on campus. Today, we held a <strong>ribbon-cutting ceremony for the North District 2 </strong>residential facility. Our partners from the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), UC regents, state, city, and community leaders joined us to celebrate the<strong> first-of-its-kind project in California</strong>, where physical and educational pathways converge.&nbsp;

Dear Colleagues, It has been one month since I began my service as chancellor of UC Riverside. During my first several weeks, I had opportunities to engage broadly, including attending my first UC Board of Regents meeting, traveling to Washington, D.C. for introductory meetings with members of the California delegation, and meeting with community organizations in Inland Southern California.&nbsp; I also had the opportunity to learn more about UCR’s rich history and meet many of you, the staff and faculty who bring the university’s mission to life every day.