President’s Message

Continue Reading Issue 42

It is an honor to lead this remarkable institution and to be part of a community that exemplifies the very best of public higher education.  

From Eastern’s modest roots as a normal school to becoming Connecticut’s public liberal arts university, our core mission has remained unchanged for 136 years: to educate, to serve, and to transform lives. 

This past year, I launched a Listening and Learning Tour to understand this mission better. Throughout 28 thoughtful and energizing sessions, I spoke with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and friends of the University. What I heard reaffirmed what I sensed from the very beginning of my presidency — Eastern is more than a university. It is a caring, committed, and purpose-driven community.  

The insights and aspirations shared during the tour are captured in a recently released summary report, which offers a roadmap for the work ahead.  

Eastern’s strength lies in its people. During my tour, I encountered an abiding affection for this institution — an affection grounded in relationships, a love of learning, and a shared responsibility. There is a common thread that runs through everything we do: a desire to welcome, to include, and to help one another succeed. Whether it’s the support students find in small classes, the mentorship of faculty scholars, or the partnerships we forge in the community, Eastern thrives on human connection.  

Our distinct mission within Connecticut’s public higher education system is a source of pride. We are the only public liberal arts university in the state — a designation that speaks to our commitment to critical thinking, communication, creativity, ethical reasoning, and quantitative literacy. These are not abstract ideals; they are the skills our graduates use to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities.  

But we are also proudly regional. We understand our vital role in eastern Connecticut — not only as an engine of upward mobility, but as a cultural, educational, and economic partner. We want to be an open door for our neighbors: a campus where local students thrive, where lifelong learners return, where K–12 students visit for concerts and events, and where the broader community feels at home.  

We are fortunate to learn, work, and gather on a beautiful New England campus that reflects our values — welcoming, well cared for, and open to all. Above all, Eastern thrives because of its people. That’s the lesson I’ve learned time and again throughout my first year at this remarkable university. The best of what we are is not found in buildings or statistics, but in the affection we hold for this place and each other.  

Eastern’s story is still unfolding. As we look to the future, we do so not with uncertainty, but with hope and a deep commitment to charting our own course. I believe our past inspires our future and will continue to grow stronger by building on the best of what we are.  

To our proud alumni, thank you for welcoming me to Eastern. I look forward to partnering with you as we write the next chapter — together.  

Warm regards,  

Karim Ismaili, Ph.D.  
President 

Continue Reading Issue 42