Dear Penn Staters,
Welcome to the start of a new academic year. As our community embarks on the semester ahead, I invite you to join me and my executive team for our third annual “State of State” event at 9 a.m. on Sept. 24. The virtual conversation will reflect on the opportunities and challenges before us and look ahead to the next steps in advancing the road map for Penn State’s future.
Evolving for excellence
Penn State’s history of excellence was built by staying ahead of change, not by standing still. From our founding as an agricultural school in 1855, to becoming one of the first institutions of higher education in the nation to offer correspondence courses in agriculture in 1892, to creating the Commonwealth Campuses in the 1930s to meet the needs of students who were unable to relocate during the Great Depression, Penn State has continually evolved to serve its students and communities. Through every chapter of our history, our land-grant mission and commitment to student success have remained at the heart of our decisions.
Like other industries and organizations that have had to transform through disruption, Penn State is at a defining moment. To continue investing in our people and facilities, sustain our standing as a research powerhouse, and serve generations of students to come, we must keep innovating and evolving. And we must do it together.
We have an extraordinary opportunity to write Penn State’s next chapter.
Together, we can expand access and opportunity to drive stronger student success outcomes. We can grow research impact and philanthropic support. We can work more collaboratively and strengthen our financial foundation to be able to advance our land-grant mission.
The transformation happening across higher education will separate institutions that adapt from those that do not, and Penn State is positioned to architect its own journey and define what comes next. We are in a strong position to lead in this changing environment and build on the multi-year work we have already started. My leadership team and I are united in this purpose and committed to making the proactive decisions needed to position Penn State for the future.
We are proud to work at Penn State because of what this institution represents. This summer, we reached a rare milestone among our peers by awarding our one millionth degree! This accomplishment is a testament to the power of higher education, our purpose, and our role in shaping Pennsylvania’s story today and in the future. Our alumni are proud to hold a Penn State degree because it carries meaning and distinction.
What is next
We must lean into the change needed to excel as an institution by building upon the work already underway. As we continue to be steadfast in our commitment to our mission and the road map set forth in 2024, we are exploring new growth opportunities that can set us apart as a leading research university.
Part of this exploration is the organizational assessment conducted over the past few months, which builds on discussions and efforts that have been underway for several years to position Penn State for continued success. To bring you into this important step in the process during the livestreamed event, my executive team and I will discuss the high-level assessment findings, which includes areas identified for greater investment that are high-growth and high-impact, as well as areas where the University has opportunity to better align resources and streamline costs.
>> Join online: Via Microsoft Teams Town Hall (click to join Sept. 24 meeting).
Penn State has always been at the forefront of change, evolving with the times while staying true to its enduring mission. This moment is no different. By embracing new ideas, adapting to new realities, and shaping what comes next, we can help Penn State thrive for generations to come.
I look forward to sharing more at the State of State and I hope you are able to tune in.
Sincerely,
President Neeli Bendapudi