This moment is about the talented students who’ve done the work, served their communities, run the race, crushed the obstacles, and handed it all over with hopeful hearts to Washington University.
Opening the gateway to success
Category: Higher Education
Washington University to make historic $1 billion investment in financial aid, adopt need-blind undergraduate admissions policy
Washington University in St. Louis will make an unprecedented $1 billion investment in financial aid for students, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. This funding will allow the university to achieve its goal of adopting a need-blind undergraduate admissions policy, effective immediately.
‘Bigger and better’ Commencement to move to Francis Olympic Field
“Commencement at WashU will be bigger and better,” said Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. “We are excited to welcome our graduates and their family members and friends to Francis Field and hope that they will stay awhile after the ceremony to celebrate this momentous occasion.”
Welcome to the 2021-22 academic year
Welcome to a new academic year at WashU! Some of you are just starting your journey here; to others, welcome back. And to those of you who never left, particularly our colleagues on the Medical Campus, thank you.
University recommits to American Talent Initiative
Washington University has renewed its commitment to the American Talent Initiative (ATI)’s Accelerating Opportunity campaign, a nationwide effort to graduate an additional 50,000 low- and moderate-income students from ATI member colleges and universities by 2025.
First race and ethnicity cluster hires arrive at Washington University
Washington University iis welcoming the first round of faculty members identified through its race and ethnicity cluster hire initiative, a multiyear effort to build a world-class and interdisciplinary research program on race.
Class of 2020 reunites for delayed Commencement ceremony
The first time Joe Beggs graduated from Washington University, he was alone in his St. Louis apartment, watching Chancellor Andrew D. Martin’s recorded address on YouTube. “It was hardly the Commencement I dreamed about,” Beggs said. “When Andrew Martin said, ‘Will the graduates please stand?’ I stood up in my boxers and my cap and flipped my tassel. Today was better.”
Dains gift establishes ‘transformational’ student success fund
Washington University in St. Louis alumnus and emeritus trustee John Dains has made an $8 million commitment to support an undergraduate student success fund at his alma mater, announced Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.
Chancellor, four other faculty named to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and four other faculty members of Washington University in St. Louis were elected members of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the academy announced April 22. The others are Deanna Barch, John Baugh, Pascal Boyer and Holden Thorp.
Gerberding, first woman to lead CDC, will address 2020 graduates
Julie L. Gerberding, MD, the first woman to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will deliver the address to the returning graduates, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced in a video message to members of the class.
Basketball Hall of Famer Abdul-Jabbar will deliver Commencement address to Class of 2021
NBA great and social justice advocate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will deliver the 2021 Commencement address for Washington University in St. Louis, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced in a video message to members of the class.
Flory appointed vice chancellor for marketing and communications
Julie Hail Flory, interim vice chancellor for public affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, has been appointed vice chancellor for marketing and communications, effective April 1, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. Flory succeeds Jill D. Friedman, who left the position in December 2019.
Gonzalez appointed vice chancellor for student affairs
Anna Gonzalez, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Harvey Mudd College, has been appointed vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, effective July 1, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. Gonzalez will succeed Lori S. White, who left the position last July to become president of DePauw University.
Washington University launches strategic planning process
With an aim to be bold, transformative and collaborative, Washington University in St. Louis has officially begun its strategic planning process to develop a roadmap that will guide the university’s future over the next decade. “WashU Strategic Planning: Defining Our Vision for Washington University’s Future” will be an 18-month endeavor, heavily informed by feedback from members of the university and St. Louis communities.
The role of higher education and the humanities
While this past year has been painful to say the least, let’s use it as a reminder of the value of our higher education institutions and the crucial purpose we play in developing life-changing interventions and treatments, cultivating globally-minded leaders, and bringing to light the injustices happening in our communities and around the world.
Bolton appointed executive vice chancellor for administration and chief administrative officer
Shantay Bolton, vice president and deputy chief operating officer at Tulane University, has been appointed executive vice chancellor for administration and chief administrative officer at Washington University in St. Louis, effective July 1, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.
Construction progresses on neuroscience research building: Project will be the largest in School of Medicine’s history
More importantly, it will bring together interdisciplinary neuroscience research and innovation at the School of Medicine.”. … One of these structures will resemble the glass three-story lobby on the north side of the neuroscience research building.
Call for proposals opens for race and ethnicity cluster hire
Earlier this summer, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced a comprehensive action plan to address racial equity at Washington University in St. Louis. Part of that plan included a Danforth Campus-wide cluster hire of 12 new faculty members who will focus on world-class research on race and ethnicity in our society. The process of bringing them to campus […]
Endowment 101: socially responsible investing
I for one am proud of the immense progress we are making to invest in industries that align so closely with our mission, with a strong tendency to shy away from those that might serve to detract from it. And moving forward, we will continue to make even greater strides to invest in businesses with positive ESG practices. Because of the nature of our partnership with WUIMC, their long-term horizon approach to investment, as well as their engagement model, we’re confident we will continue on this path.
Endowment 101: The makeup and management of WashU’s endowment
In summary, WUIMC is a separate entity accountable to its own board, but working in tandem with the university. Therefore, it has its own oversight and a lot of autonomy, but also a lot of rigidity in terms of the way it functions and allocates assets. Because its main purpose is to support the university’s mission in perpetuity, WUIMC’s investment decisions tend to align closely with our university’s most deeply held values.
Endowment 101: What is it and how does it work at WashU?
Through this first blog post in a three-part series, I hope this gives you a bit clearer picture into what an endowment is and how we use it at Washington University. In two more future installments, I plan to outline the history of the endowment, where it comes from, how the payout is spent, how the endowment is managed, and how our investments align positively with the university’s mission — including a deeper dive into our socially responsible investment principles. Stay tuned!
Wendland appointed Washington University provost
Beverly Wendland, the James B. Knapp Dean of the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, has been appointed provost of Washington University in St. Louis, effective July 1, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.
A semester of momentum
I wish you the very best as you wrap up the weeks ahead. While this semester showed no signs of stopping, it will soon be time for us to take a brief respite so we can recharge and return with even greater energy and force. I hope you enjoy a restful holiday, and may you come back ready to help us move even further along our path.
Leading with gratitude
This week especially, I want to touch on that last part: Gratitude. I believe gratitude is something we don’t give out enough in our current social context. To me, it’s an important starting point as we think about shifting our own personal experiences and the experiences of our communities and society writ-large. That said, I can think of several things for which I’m particularly grateful this year. One of the biggest ones being you — our Washington University community.
What’s next? An update on strategic planning
As almost a month has passed since inauguration, I believe now is the time to share the next steps for our path forward together. Those next steps involve a bold and transformative strategic planning process that will take place over the course of the next two calendar years.
Momentous reflections on inauguration
Ultimately, what I really want to say is that you’ve all been incredibly integral in my success, the success of this day, and the success of the university in your own special way, and words cannot even begin to express my and my family’s gratitude. Thank you again, and now it’s time to increase our #WashUMomentum and “to build even more bridges!”
Newly inaugurated Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin makes ‘WashU Pledge’
On Oct. 3, as he was inaugurated as Washington University in St. Louis’ 15th chancellor, Andrew D. Martin announced the WashU Pledge, a bold new financial aid program that will provide a free undergraduate education to incoming, full-time Missouri and southern Illinois students who are Pell Grant-eligible or from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less.
Increasing access to a WashU education
Over the coming months and years, I plan to continue championing these efforts. It’s going to take time. It’s going to take financial resources. It’s going to take careful attention to everything we do inside and outside of the classroom. And it’s going to take a commitment from all of us. But over time, I hope this institution will become a place that has completely removed the financial barriers that too often prevent individuals from considering WashU — a place where anyone can make their dreams of a WashU education a reality.
Pre-strategic planning: Sharing what we learned
As your 15th Chancellor, I am deeply committed to leading with transparency, approachability, accountability, and data-driven decision making. To that end, I am sharing the entire report, in its full, unadulterated form. I feel this is important for several reasons. First, to walk-the-talk and be fully transparent. Second, to allow all of us to learn through this process. And, finally, to respect the input so many of you provided and empower continued dialogue. It is very important to me that each of you feels – and knows – that you have a seat at the table.
WashU as a place of distinction
Indeed, distinction is clearly a term that embodies our past and permeates our present. And now, as we embark on yet another academic year—one filled with opportunity and potential—I challenge all of us to thread the needle even further as we embed distinction into the fabric of our future.
Provost search moves forward
Washington University will begin a national search for its next provost this summer, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. A nine-member committee will be tasked with finding a successor for Holden Thorp and Marion Crain, who holds a dual appointment as vice provost and the Wiley B. Rutledge Professor of Law, will serve as interim provost during the transition.
Reaffirming the intrinsic value of our international community
In light of these and other tensions as well as political rhetoric and pressure from various angles, it’s both appropriate and critically important to remember who we are and aspire to be as a Washington University community — a place where all people feel, represented, welcome, and included. Our international students, faculty, and staff are no exception. Let me be clear: students, faculty, and staff from around the globe are welcome at Washington University with open arms. And during times like these, it’s especially imperative we remind them that they are valued and celebrated as members of our thriving community.
My thoughts on leadership
As I have now officially begun my role as Washington University’s 15th Chancellor, I’d really like the chance to tell you exactly the kind of leader I aspire to be.
Michael Bloomberg announces Midwestern Collegiate Climate Summit
Michael R. Bloomberg announced May 16 the largest expected convening of Midwest universities focused on mitigating the effects of climate change and moving to a 100% clean-energy economy. Washington University will serve as the anchor for the climate summit and the partnership with other higher education institutions throughout the Midwest.
University creates Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity
During remarks at Washington University in St. Louis’ fifth annual Day of Discovery, Dialogue & Action, Chancellor-elect Andrew D. Martin announced Feb. 20 the creation of a universitywide Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity. The new inter- and transdisciplinary center will bring synergy to research already underway in these areas throughout the university — on […]
Move-in day
Chancellor-elect Martin ushered in a new year with a new view of the Danforth Campus on Jan. 2, his first official day on the job.
Law School hosts welcome reception
The School of Law invited faculty from law and political science to get reacquainted with Chancellor-Elect Martin this fall. At a reception held Oct. 16 in the Crowder Courtyard of Anheuser-Busch Hall, Martin visited with old friends and colleagues, and got to know some new faces.
A warm welcome back from students
Students got to know Chancellor-Elect Martin at a reception on the Danforth Campus on Sept. 25. Some 400 students came out to the Athletic Complex to meet Martin, who was joined by Chancellor Mark Wrighton, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori White and the WashU Bear, among other special guests.
Wash U’s new leader comes home
For only the second time in its 165-year history, Washington University in St. Louis will be led by one of its own. Andrew D. Martin will become the university’s 15th chancellor in June 2019, the board of trustees announced after a special meeting on July 14, 2018.
For Andrew Martin, an academic journey comes full circle
Andrew Martin did not always know he was destined for academia. Back in the summer of 1993 the man who just became Washington University’s next chancellor had just finished his junior year at the College of William and Mary and had no idea where his postgraduate life would take him.
Andrew Martin appointed 15th chancellor of Washington University
Andrew D. Martin, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan, has been appointed chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, effective June 1, 2019, according to Craig D. Schnuck, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees and chairman emeritus of Schnuck Markets Inc.