Dear Colleagues:

I am writing to provide an important update on the future of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

Following a year-long review of all of the University’s Centers and Institutes, I have made the decision, in close collaboration with our Board of Trustees, to close the Polling Institute, effective July 1 of this year. This comprehensive review over the past year was to examine and evaluate each center of distinction relative to its impact on student engagement and outcomes, as well as each one’s alignment with the institutional priorities and goals outlined in our current strategic plan. While the Polling Institute has done excellent work, its public polling mission is no longer aligned with our current strategic goals.

I realize this is a significant change given the decades of outstanding work led by Patrick Murray, the founding director of the Institute since its inception in 2005. Patrick’s skilled analysis and media aplomb established the Monmouth University Poll as one of the top polls in the country for both accuracy and transparency, including a top-five ranking from the poll analysis website FiveThirtyEight. At its height, the Institute played a prominent role in helping to elevate the University’s image and to amplify its reputation to households across the country.

However, the changing political and media landscapes have made it both more difficult and more expensive for polling organizations to operate. In addition, our efforts over the years to integrate the work of the Polling Institute with both the student experience and the broader academic enterprise at Monmouth University have been met with mixed results. The considerable resources required to operate the Polling Institute annually will be redeployed to other strategic initiatives at Monmouth, in particular to those activities that offer direct transformational impact on our students.

I am grateful to Patrick and his team for their decades of service to the University, and I am especially appreciative for their efforts to deliver on the Institute’s mission to foster greater public accountability by ensuring that the public’s voice was heard.

Sincerely,
Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

The senior administration and I have been closely monitoring the news coming out of our nation’s capital regarding changes to American higher education. In fact, I spent much of this past week in Washington, DC, attending the national meeting of the American Council on Education – our sector’s leading advocacy organization – at which there was much discussion about the potential effects of these orders. It is safe to say that much uncertainty and confusion surrounds them. We are still not sure how these will play out in the days and months to come, either around the country or here at Monmouth. Patience right now is a virtue.   

In the meantime, I assure you that our values as an institution remain steadfast. I encourage the members of the Monmouth University community to keep doing what we always strive to do – that is, to create an environment where all of our members feel welcome and supported, a place where our differences are not just tolerated but celebrated. 

We will continue to watch the directives coming out of Washington, especially as they play out in the courts and intersect with long-standing state protections, and I will keep the University community informed of any necessary changes to our policies and/or practices. Remember: here at Monmouth, hawks fly together!

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

Today, as we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, we are called to reflect on the important intersection of history and progress. This moment reminds us of Dr. King’s enduring vision of a just and united society—a vision that challenges us to recognize our shared humanity and to confront the barriers that divide us.

Dr. King’s 1966 visit to Monmouth still echoes in our community, particularly his assertion: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. […] No racial group is an island entire of itself. We are all tied together, and when there is injustice, in any race, it diminishes all people in this country.” These words remind us that our destinies are interconnected, and the pursuit of equity, dignity, and freedom for all is a collective endeavor.

As we navigate a time of political change and continued social challenges, let us recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s ideals of courage, empathy, and action. At Monmouth, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to advancing social mobility, diversity, and academic excellence. At the heart of our mission is honoring the intrinsic worth of every individual, and building a legacy of understanding and mutual respect through education.

May this day inspire us to continue to engage thoughtfully with one another, to listen with open minds, and to take meaningful steps toward creating the “beautiful symphony of brotherhood” that Dr. King envisioned.

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy

President

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome back from what I hope was a restful and relaxing break for each of you. As we begin a new year, I wanted to write and thank you for the many ways in which you have supported Monmouth University over the past twelve months. Together, we achieved extraordinary progress in 2024, and I anticipate that 2025 will be even more exceptional as we continue to collectively support our students and their Monmouth experience.

This past year, we continued to rise as a leader at integrating excellence and access. We earned our highest-ever ranking in U.S. News & World Report and were recognized for our leadership in social mobility—affirming our mission to provide transformative opportunities to deserving students of all backgrounds. We also welcomed one of the most talented and diverse incoming classes in our history, further strengthening our vibrant learning community.

Across campus, the Monmouth spirit was on full display. Our students distinguished themselves—through award-winning initiatives like the Hawk Capital Fund, the achievements of the Debate Hawks and Model UN, working collaboratively with the faculty to develop patents, beating numerous nationally-ranked sports teams, and the inspiring volunteerism of The Big Event. Our faculty continued to earn recognition for impactful scholarship and global collaborations, advancing our reputation for academic excellence.

We also celebrated milestones that will shape Monmouth’s future, including breaking ground on the new home for the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music—a project that will enhance our national profile and expand academic opportunities. At the same time, enhancements to Nagy Common and the Rebecca Stafford Student Center are fostering the connections and collaboration that drive our success.

Looking ahead, the future is bright. A month ago, we proudly launched the largest fundraising campaign in Monmouth’s history—Excellence. Access. Ambition.—with a bold goal of $175 million. This campaign will accelerate our vision to elevate academic excellence, expand access to education, and strengthen spaces and resources on campus, including the new Student Wellness Center and Campus Gateway.

Thank you for everything you do to support our students. I look forward to celebrating all the milestones and opportunities that await us.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and inspiring new year.

Sincerely,

Pat

Dear Colleagues:

As mentioned on last week’s open call, the senior leadership team and I appreciate all of your efforts during this busy time of year.  As a small gesture of thanks for the many ways in which you support our students, we have decided to provide an additional paid day off on Monday, December 23.

We understand that essential employees may need to work on this day, and these individuals will receive an alternate day off in the future.  Please expect to hear directly from your area vice president with more information in the coming days.  If you have any immediate questions, please direct them to the Office of Human Resources.

I look forward to being together once more before the winter break at tomorrow’s holiday gathering, which takes place in the Great Hall from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  Please join us if you can.  If I do not have a chance to see you, I wish you and yours a happy holiday season.

Sincerely,
Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

I am writing to share an exciting update for the future of Monmouth University. This past Saturday, at our 50th annual holiday gala, we proudly announced the largest fundraising campaign in Monmouth’s history. This $175 million campaign, aptly sharing the same name as our strategic plan—Excellence. Access. Ambition.—will advance our bold goal of becoming a national leader at integrating excellence and access.

The ambitious fundraising goal of this comprehensive campaign is nearly four times the size of the next largest campaign in Monmouth’s history. With its success, we are positioned to accelerate our recent evolution as a university. The campaign will help elevate academic excellence, expand educational opportunities, enhance our campus, and establish Monmouth University as a leading force in higher education.

Please visit our campaign website to learn more about these priorities, and enjoy this short video which chronicles Monmouth’s progression from a small junior college to a comprehensive university enjoying our highest-ever national rankings, and showcasing the transformative goals of this historic campaign.

Monmouth would not be poised for this trajectory of success without such a remarkable community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and supporters. Thank you for your enduring support of our university, and for championing this ambitious undertaking to transform students’ lives and secure Monmouth’s promising future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

At the 11th hour of the day, on the 11th day of the month, in the 11th month of every year our nation comes together to remember all the men and women who have safeguarded our freedoms through their service in our armed forces. We call it, of course, Veterans Day.

In this year it is perhaps particularly important that we pause to celebrate this day. In the aftermath of a long and at times contentious election cycle, Veterans Day is a day of national unity, providing an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate the sacrifices made by our fellow citizens in protecting our country.

As members of a shared university community, we should take this unique opportunity to reiterate two of our fundamental values here at Monmouth University, inspired by our rights as a nation that so many have fought to protect. First, we will continue to defend the rights of individuals to express themselves, even if their comments are deemed controversial by some. And, second, the expression of opinions on this campus must be offered in a respectful manner, recognizing, and even celebrating the diversity that is representative of Monmouth University. Together, these values—free expression and strong community—are fundamental to the mission of every American university.

So, as we celebrate our nation’s veterans and the sacrifices that they have made for us, let us reaffirm our dedication to fostering greater understanding in an environment of mutual respect here in our small part of the country.

Please join us today in Anacon Hall at 11 a.m. as we gather with the Monmouth University Student Veterans Association to recognize the contributions of military service members within our campus community, and listen as student veterans share stories from their time in service. Additionally, we will toll the bells at 11 a.m., recalling the armistice that concluded World War I. This act of remembrance symbolizes our ongoing gratitude for all veterans and their families and recognizes the sacrifices they all have made.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

As we enter the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all we have accomplished at Monmouth University this academic year. Our collective dedication and hard work continue to propel us to new heights, and I am so proud to serve Monmouth together with you.

This year, we achieved our highest ranking ever in U.S. News & World Report, marking an incredible rise of 13 places over five years. At the same time, our tremendous progress in social mobility metrics was further recognized by U.S. News and Washington Monthly. We also welcomed our most diverse incoming class, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant learning community.

From the groundbreaking of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music to the ribbon-cutting for Nagy Common, and from outstanding student achievement among the Hawk Capital Fund, Model UN, Debate Hawks, and fall sports teams, to impressive university-wide collaboration as part of the Middle States reaccreditation process, we have much to celebrate as a campus community this Thanksgiving season.

Amid these successes, I remain deeply grateful for our shared commitment to mutual respect, civility, and kindness. These values remain at the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that Monmouth is a supportive learning environment. Please enjoy a restful and well-deserved break, refreshed for the opportunities and achievements that lie ahead. Thank you for all that you do to make Monmouth a national leader at integrating excellence and access.

Sincerely,
Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

As mentioned on yesterday’s open call, I am pleased to share an important update on the Office of Human Resources. Earlier this month, Robyn Salvo left Monmouth University for another opportunity. After a successful internal search, I am delighted to announce that Kathleen (Kathy) Stein, will be stepping into this critically important role for the university, effectively immediately.

Kathy first joined the Monmouth community in 2003 as the compliance coordinator in the Office of the General Counsel. During her 21 years at Monmouth, Kathy has served as coordinator of benefits, senior benefits administrator, director of benefits, and executive director of human resources. Her progressive leadership experience at Monmouth coupled with her collaborative and compassionate approach to supporting and resolving employee issues make her an exceptional candidate for the associate vice president for human resources position.

I look forward to seeing our efforts and initiatives in human resources flourish under Kathy’s vision and leadership. Please join me in congratulating Kathy on this well-deserved appointment.

Sincerely,

Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

I am pleased to invite you to the dedication of Nagy Common—the newly refreshed patio at the Rebecca Stafford Student Center—on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. This space will honor the indelible legacy of Mary Anne Nagy ’91M ’01M, former vice president of student life and leadership engagement, who retired in June 2023 after nearly four decades of service to Monmouth University.

A two-time alumna of Monmouth (M.S. Ed, MBA), VP Nagy demonstrated her commitment to Monmouth in countless ways during her 37 years of service to the university, including her personal philanthropy.

In recognition of her impact, and thanks to a generous gift from President Emerita Rebecca Stafford ’03HN, Monmouth will dedicate the new outdoor gathering space at the Rebecca Stafford Student Center as Nagy Common next Thursday, October 16. I hope you will be able to join us for this special event.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President