April 23, 2003
To Members of the University Community:
Earlier today I informed the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of my desire to retire as Chancellor effective Aug. 1, 2004, or soon thereafter, depending on when Syracuse University's 11th Chancellor is appointed. I am making this announcement now so that the Board has time to conduct a thorough search for my successor-to find the best person for what I believe is the best leadership position in the country.
When Mary Ann and I came to Syracuse in August 1991, we knew there would be challenges ahead, particularly fiscal ones. Happily, we learned early on that this is a community that rolls up its sleeves and deals with the issues, taking advantage of-and creating-opportunities for continuous improvement.
More than a decade later, I could not be more pleased with the dedication shown by faculty, staff, students and alumni to making our University a stronger, more focused environment for learning. Faculty and staff have raised expectations for themselves and their students. Our students have responded in kind, and our alumni have shown their commitment through their enthusiasm, their involvement and their increased levels of giving.
By August 2004, I will have served 13 years as SU's Chancellor and 27 years as a campus chief executive. Our time spent here has been the best of those years, and I am deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to serve.
I will take a leave of absence for the 2004-05 academic year; after that, Mary Ann and I will stay in Central New York, where I will teach and assume other duties as assigned by the new Chancellor and the Board of Trustees. Syracuse University is a special place to us, and we are proud to call this wonderful community of scholars, staff and students our home.
Over the next 15 months, I expect to intensify my efforts on behalf of the University. My focus will be on the Academic Plan, space planning and increased fund raising-the keys to our future. While much has been accomplished, much remains to be done.
My sincere thanks to each and every one of you and to a board of trustees that has shown wisdom, courage and a great willingness to support this fine institution. With your continued commitment to a transcendent cause, I know that the best is yet to come. I thank you for your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. Shaw
Chancellor and President
