A Welcome from President Lynn Perry Wooten - July 1, 2020

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Alumnae/i,

What an honor it is to join Simmons University as its president today. Simmons was founded to foster women's agency and independence, and more than 100 years later we remain deeply committed to empowering our students' leadership and cultivating their wellbeing. It is a profoundly important mission, and one I am proud to carry forward. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve the University, and I want to thank President Drinan for her extraordinary leadership.

As you might imagine, this is not exactly how I imagined starting my new job. Though we know that next semester will not look or feel "normal" for any of us, we are intensely focused on providing a high-quality Simmons education and experience. We will be guided by science and safeguarded by public health best practices, adapting as we must to the new realities. Yet we will also seize the moment to innovate, creating fresh approaches and new opportunities for students. This will include our excellence in teaching and learning, as well as all the ways we learn and grow together outside the classroom to create a dynamic, energizing and supportive community.

Among the most important characteristics that drew me to Simmons is this community's dedication to social justice. The last few weeks have shown us clearly why we must recommit to diversity, to equity, to inclusion, with urgency, and the courage to act. We will listen to one another's voices, learn from one another's experiences, and together, drive change on our campus, in our community, and for our society.

When I was appointed president, I heard from people all over the world about their connections with Simmons. Our alumnae/i are proud to carry on the Simmons traditions of doing good in the world, and are highly regarded in their professions and their communities. I look forward to celebrating our inter-generational strengths as we bring our newly admitted students, our current students and our alumnae/i together in the Simmons family. For our students, especially, I give you my commitment that we will continue to focus on your success, in your studies and in your careers, so that you may find purpose in your life's work. To our faculty and staff, I know these last few months have been challenging as the institution has had to make some very difficult decisions. I truly appreciate your flexibility and resilience, and I look forward to working with you and learning from you.

Soon we will announce plans for the fall semester. We will have many opportunities to share more information and conversation over the summer. In the meantime, as I reflect on the strain of uncertainty and anxiety driven by global pandemic and social injustice, I ask you to help me in extending grace and kindness as we move forward — to reach out, help one another and others as we work our way through this time together. Let's make that generosity of mind and heart a hallmark of Simmons, along with academic excellence and a direct, powerful impact on this uncertain world.

Thanks to so many of you who have already offered me such a warm welcome. Our common mission has never been more important, and at this historic moment, I feel a deep sense of gratitude that I am part of this extraordinary community. Together we will strive, contribute, and flourish.

Sincerely,

Lynn