Dear Bentley community,
I believe that time passes most quickly when you’re in the midst of great progress, and this academic year seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. We have high expectations because the times demand it, and our students and stakeholders deserve it. I know how many “balls are in the air” across the university these days. But here’s the good news: we’re most certainly on a strong trajectory toward achieving many of our goals. The collective wins, big and small, that we as a community have celebrated this year are extraordinary. I am so proud of all our faculty and staff who remain so dedicated to the success of our students and this institution. Thank you, all, for a terrific year.
Celebrating with so many members of our community over the weekend through two ceremonies was, as usual, a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. For me, the most rewarding aspect of working in higher education is helping our students learn and grow, and Commencement is a tangible expression of their progress and achievement. In shaking the hand of every student who received a diploma this weekend and congratulating each of them on the accomplishment this represents, I could see the range of emotions this day inspires: everything from broad smiles to tears of joy. Thanks to all of you whose efforts and contributions made this weekend an incredibly memorable one for our graduates and their loved ones.
I am also grateful to our trustees, who joined us for several days last week for a board meeting and to participate in the commencement ceremonies. We had robust and positive discussions about our shared vision for Bentley’s future. I can confidently report that they, too, are excited by the progress we’re making and the opportunities we’re creating for Bentley. Presentations to the board regarding our budget and long-range planning, enrollment efforts to land the incoming Class of 2028, and continued progress in the post-baccalaureate space, particularly with the recent creation of a new Professional MBA, were all warmly received.
We also discussed progress to date on the Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan and prospects for the future. A key part of this presentation involved the first phase of our efforts in Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Wellbeing. This meeting’s presentation centered on the academic programs and priorities that define Bentley, both now and into the future, and I’m pleased to share that the conversation was overwhelmingly positive. The trustees were unanimously supportive of this effort continuing to move forward. There remains much work to be done before any shovel hits the ground, but this was an important milestone in our effort to keep Bentley at the forefront of business education for years to come. Our community conversations around this effort will continue in the year ahead. Your input and feedback on this process has been invaluable, and helped make sure this board meeting was a success.
Thank you, again, for everything you’ve done to make this year a success.
Most Sincerely,
Brent
