Each Fall is the Start of New Beginnings

August 18, 2010

~ Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment. ~
Oprah Winfrey

As the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to take on another hue, the month of August often signifies the beginning of another academic year for us in education. During the fall, we will welcome a new class of students to campus and extend warm greetings to our returning upperclassmen. It is also a time for the University community to reflect on the possibilities of the new cohort of students,  and to insure our national well-being-- one student at a time.

For the new students and parents arriving on campus, there will be signs of progress, and the future directions of Cheyney University all over campus. The exterior of Humphrey’s Hall on the Historic Quad has been renovated, and the multiple colors of the numerous stones that bond the 1837 legacy of Richard Humphrey can once again be appreciated and utilized. When Humphrey’s Hall is completely renovated, it will house sixteen honors students, a meeting hall, and study space for these talented students.

Incoming freshman students will see the foundations laid for the construction of a 400-bed new residence hall for students. This hall will be a state-of-the-art residence community in which students can opt to live in suites, doubles, or singles; and it is scheduled to be completed for fall 2011. In addition to the residence hall under construction, students will be introduced to a more structured thrust towards campus engagement. Each freshman will be encouraged to join, and become engaged with, at least one organization on campus such as athletics, honor societies, the band, choir, student ambassadors, and/or Greek organizations. It is through increased student engagement that the University will seek to increase its retention and progression rates for all students. The Division of Student Affairs, with the leadership of Dr. Suzanne Phillips will monitor these student engagement activities.

For faculty returning to campus, they will once again be able to enjoy musical performances and special events in Marian Anderson Musical Center. The renovation of the music center, named after the American, musical legend Marian Anderson, was finished this summer. This music hall will once again house the choir, band, and faculty who contribute to the development of a Center of Excellence in Communications Media, Fine Arts, and Entertainment Arts. It is through the Center of Excellence in Communication Media, Fine Arts, and Entertainment Arts that Cheyney University seeks to attract talented students who excel in the various venues in the fine arts and entertainment arts. It is hoped that these students will enhance their various talents and expand their horizons to include specialized knowledge in other venues.

It is always a pleasure each fall to also welcome new faculty and staff to the Cheyney University family. New faculty and staff bring with them different perspectives and experiences that will help Cheyney University realign itself with best practices in higher education.

So, even though it means that the summer days are coming to an end, the fall begins with a host of new possibilities for insuring our collective futures.

I encourage you to continue to look for ways to support these projects and help us expand student success. I look forward to hearing your comments on my blog on how we can collaborate on these common goals.

Michelle
 

Tags: fall , residence hall , renovations , Humphrey Scholars , Humphrey’s Hall

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