From: Subject: Date: To:
USD - Office of the President president@usd.edu A message from President James W. Abbott September 27, 2017 at 5:01 PM USD - Office of the President president@usd.edu
Dear Coyote Family: My life has been enriched by the privilege of serving as your university president for the past 20+ years. USD is stronger than ever and stands well-equipped to move forward. The time has come for me to step aside as president and turn the leadership over to new hands. Today I am announcing my plans to retire in June of 2018. I know all of you will join me in supporting the success of USD for many years to come – whether it is in the classroom, in the laboratory, or on the athletic field. Be assured that I remain thankful for the experiences USD has given me, and for the support of faculty, staff and students over the years. For the next nine months, while I remain Coyote-in-Chief, I will focus on preparing our university to face new challenges and to reach new heights as South Dakota’s flagship university. With gratitude, James W. Abbott President The University of South Dakota