Chancellor Rosenstone’s Remarks to Board of Trustees

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees is kicking off the new academic year with a retreat. Chancellor Steven Rosenstone offered some introductory remarks that he’d like to share. 

Introductory Remarks, Board of Trustees Retreat

Steven Rosenstone, Chancellor

September 20, 2016

The kickoff of a new academic year is a moment to take stock and set priorities. It’s a moment to reaffirm our shared values, harness our collective energy, and build the camaraderie and teamwork needed to lead. The retreat is designed to do just that, and I want to offer some initial observations to help frame our discussions and our work together over the next ten months.

“The Why”

I want to begin where we began exactly five years ago today when I sat with the board for the first time as a new chancellor. We began a conversation about the future by reminding ourselves of “the why” — not “what” we do or “how” we do it, but “the why” of Minnesota State colleges and universities.

Everything we do, everything we believe in, is focused on providing an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.

This core belief is what binds us together. We live this core value every day because we know that outstanding, accessible, affordable, and relevant education is the best path to success for people and communities across Minnesota. A great education has never been more important. For everyone. All ages. All communities. All over our state. There is no greater vehicle for driving individual accomplishment than higher education. No better path to a fulfilling life. No better way to move out of poverty. No better way to stimulate community health and prosperity. And that’s why we’re all here.

Click here to read the full remarks.