Letter from the President

This summer I begin my role as interim president of Saint Michael’s. I cannot express in words how honored I am to lead the College in this transition period. It seems particularly fitting that I introduce myself in an issue of the magazine devoted to the many forms that leadership can take, and on the importance of developing ethical leaders.

Communities can shape and develop leaders. This is already the case for me. I have been welcomed into the Saint Michael’s community in the warmest and most generous way. Simply from the welcome I have had, I know the community at the school. I learned from listening to her speak. has charged me with a special focus on strengthening enrollment and advancement efforts, while continuing the momentum of the Strategic Plan, “Forward with Purpose.” is an exciting time, a pivotal time, when every college and university must respond to changes that affect higher education. The leadership at Saint Michael’s has worked hard to address these challenges with a belief that a liberal arts education in the light of the Catholic faith best serves today’s students by developing the whole person.

I look forward to contributing my best efforts to serve the College.

Sincerely, spirit and the strength of this community. Two weeks ago, I listened to the Commencement address of Katie Escobedo ’23. If you have not heard her remarks, I strongly recommend them to you—clear, inspiring, authentic, heartfelt, and definitive about the special gift of

As an interim leader, I need to learn quickly and listen carefully. Understanding the character of the College and the spirit of community is as important as knowing the mission. In addition to the responsibility of care, the board of trustees

Experience as president of Lebanon Valley College and decades in leadership roles at Franklin & Marshall, Mount Holyoke, and Columbia University, among others, prepared me well to recognize and lean into the challenges facing Saint Michael’s. This

Lewis Thayne Interim President