Letter to the Campus
August 24, 2009
Members of the Pacific Community,
With an exciting weekend of welcoming events ushering in the new school year on the Stockton campus, and our McGeorge School of Law and Dugoni School of Dentistry classes already underway, I am pleased to share my best wishes with everyone in the University community for a productive and meaningful academic year.
My last two months have been all about new beginnings. I've been assisted by a Transition Team of deans, faculty, vice presidents, staff, students, and our Board of Regents chair to develop a strategy to gain a depth of understanding about Pacific, get to know its people, and be introduced to key external community members. I have been briefed on many of the University's key programs and departments and anticipate many more such valuable meetings. In addition, we have developed a plan for a series of inaugural events during the academic year beginning with a "welcome event" at the Fall Board meeting and culminating with an installation ceremony on Friday, March 19, 2010. Further planning of an "inaugural event series" will involve a proposal process to be communicated broadly throughout the University within the next week. I greatly appreciate the time that has been invested by many of you in these several efforts.
In addition, I want you to know about two important actions that I am taking. First, I am forming a Provost Search Committee under the capable leadership of Dean Phillip Oppenheimer. Although members of the Search Committee are still being identified, we have taken initial steps to identify a search firm that will assist the University with recruitment of a proven leader to fill this critical post, following the retirement of our outstanding Provost, Phil Gilbertson next June. I know that Dean Oppenheimer will keep the University community informed of progress made in this search during the year.
Second, I am forming a President's Advisory Council (PAC) whose role will be to advise the President on matters of importance to the University community; disseminate to and receive from the university community and other key constituents information regarding important developments, initiatives, or issues involving the University; and assist in developing and executing coordinated initiatives and responses. Membership of the PAC will consist of twenty individuals broadly representing the University. More information about the Council can be found on the President's website.
Again, best wishes for a great beginning to the academic year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pamela A. Eibeck
President