While celebrating the significant achievements of our students at commencement is my favorite event of the academic year, there is no greater anticipation turned joy than when our students return to campus in August for the beginning of the fall semester.
Dear Members of the Methodist University Community,
While celebrating the significant achievements of our students at commencement is my favorite event of the academic year, there is no greater anticipation turned joy than when our students return to campus in August for the beginning of the fall semester.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer and had the opportunity to visit family and take some time off. Yet, I still found myself counting down the days until the vast majority of our students would be here in Fayetteville, rushing into the Green & Gold Dining Hall, practicing on our athletic fields, and pursuing excellence in the classroom.
Student-athletes and student leaders started rolling in over a week ago. International students have been flying in from around the world for the past week. Our newest Monarchs – freshmen and transfers – moved into their residence halls with help from family and friends, and started New Student Orientation on Friday. And then our sophomores, juniors, and seniors made us complete this weekend as they arrived eager to see new and familiar faces. It’s wonderful news that my countdown stopped today as Fall 2023 classes are underway this morning.
It’s a special time not just for the residential MU community, but also for the many Monarchs who are commuting onto campus and for our many online students. The MU reach is farther than it has ever been before, yet we maintain the same mission, values and quality that have made MU so uniquely excellent for decades.
From the announcement that we’re pursuing a new school of medicine and expanding our on-campus and online academic programs to our continued strategic initiatives focused on student success, career readiness, and inclusion, MU is an exciting place to be at an exciting time in our University’s history. I’m so honored to be a part of a community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who continue to work hard every day to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
Let’s make this a rewarding semester leading to an even more extraordinary academic year. If you see me on campus, say hello. I look forward to watching you succeed in and out of the classroom. Welcome back and Go Monarchs!
Sincerely,
Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D.
President