Dear members of the Lasell University community,

In the fall 2010 issue of Leaves, we jointly penned a community letter entitled “Moving Forward.” How appropriate for where we stood then — as the newly minted chair of the Board of Trustees and University president — and where we are now, as we prepare to transition the Lasell presidency.

Change is not easy, but it is essential for the growth of every organization — including Lasell. Any transition, especially in leadership, is an opportunity for us as a community to revisit, rethink, and realign our goals. This time is yet another pivotal moment for our institution to re-engage its thinking around who we are, where we stand today, and where we are headed together. We will continue to move forward and evolve, to try new things, and to remain ahead of trends in higher education, all while maintaining a sense of unity and stability.

Over the past 16 years, we have learned a lot from one another and have partnered in our approach to leading Lasell. With more than 30 years of institutional knowledge, Eric will continue on that path with his signature diplomacy and ability to navigate issues of all sizes with a thoughtful, deliberate approach that leaves our community feeling positive about both process and outcome.

When we think about what the next 172 years will look like for Lasell, it is not with a particular leader in mind; rather, it is with the hope that our community will continue to embrace change. That forward momentum is a significant part of our culture and how we operate. It is what has gotten us to where we are today, and what will see us through tomorrow, together. 

Michael B. Alexander
President

Eric M. Turner
President-Elect