p r e s i d e nt ’s me s s a g e
president’s message
Leading The Way Toward Our New Future Scary is often the leading edge of change. Nonetheless, as the world and therefore our marketplace changes, we can work more effectively, not just by reacting to those changes, but in leading the way. I believe ample opportunity exists for Wells to build dynamic and strategic partnerships for a more mobile population of learners, with more options and more flexible
We must balance respect for our histories, the realities of the present, and the promise of our futures.
programming. We absolutely need not give up our core strengths in this new environment—but rather assure they provide real value and that the articulation of their worth rises above the noise. While we do some things very well, Wells needs to change. Just as is true in our own lives, in order to be the best partner possible, we must remain strong in who we are. Simultaneously, and similarly, we have to be open to becoming part of something wholly new in a new relationship. We have to put our best foot forward. We certainly do not want Wells to remain idly on the sidelines as others develop exciting, innovative, essential new partnerships. The Wells community does not want the future determined by default because we were not strong or savvy enough to discussion topics moved to “in-trepreneurship” or the ability to create entrepreneurial “spaces” within established, traditional companies, and I thought of how we might better foster that capacity within our colleges. It occurred to me that in some cases our committee structures and collaborative values are at odds with creating the kind of fresh, innovative, transformation we need.
be a desirable partner. We want to choose our own destiny. I
Are the systems we currently have in place designed to drive toward the historic norm? Do they actually stifle creativity? Might we have to suspend some of our traditional practices in order to carve out the space—physical and metaphorical—to develop and reward entrepreneurial solutions on our own campuses?
Wells’ strength and her future depend on being a desirable
What are the implications of size? Like the pebble dropped in a small pond, at Wells every change and every process reverberates outward and is visible to all—and seemingly magnified in our very small world. What will happen if we drop a very large stone in our pond? Or throw in a handful? Or is small the key to being agile, responsive and adept?
tethered to emotion.
We have to balance risk with reward, and ask carefully and honestly: risk to whom? the institution?, the student?; and reward for whom? the status quo?, the college?, the learner? We must balance respect for our histories, the realities of the present, and the promise of our futures. And in some cases we may have to suspend process in favor of results. 8
fall 2012
expect that in doing so, we will pursue partnerships that will be completely necessary, that ought to make us something fundamentally better, and that are more likely than not, to produce something that is wholly new.
partner, and developing strong, strategic partnerships. Though there is not a pre-determined outcome, we do know that a successful relationship must be born of practicality and not
In positioning ourselves for that future, Wells College continues to offer the students of today a truly extraordinary education—one that equips them to lead any life they choose.
The Allure of Place
In tribute to Pleasant Thiele Rowland ’62 During her remarks at Reunion 2012, President Lisa Marsh Ryerson ’81 reflected on the enduring charm of campus and the nature of homecomings, “There are undoubtedly many reasons for returning to Reunion. It may be to enjoy the camaraderie of friends. Perhaps it’s to celebrate the value of your Wells education in your own life, and to celebrate the relationships that have informed and enriched your journeys. Perhaps it’s the lure of a beautiful place that’s important to you.” And turning to the 50th Reunion Class, she paid tribute to one of their classmates for her remarkable contributions, “As I invoke the beauty and allure of place, I want to pause to recognize one among you who has contributed so much in stewardship of that sense of place: Pleasant Thiele Rowland, Wells College Class of 1962, celebrating with her classmates their 50th Reunion! “From this magnificent auditorium, to the public spaces here in Macmillan and throughout our residence halls, to the restoration of the Inn and the rebirth of our village, Pleasant has shared generously her vision—of the grandest scale and the finest detail. She has shared her talent and her caring. While it may be the buildings that she so lovingly restored, it is the people who inhabit and interact with them for whom her love of place is truly transformative.” A standing ovation and heartfelt round of the Wells congratulation song were offered in response.
It remains grounded in the interdisciplinary curiosity at the heart of rigorous academics, and the commitment to personal integrity and interpersonal connection that lives at the heart of Wells. wells.edu
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