Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his extraordinary commitment to social justice and racial equality. In his address at Monmouth on Oct. 11, 1966, King remarked, “Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals…”

We are fortunate to be part of a community that develops, challenges, and supports individuals dedicated to ensuring that human progress continues to move forward towards inclusivity, equality, and social justice. With that good fortune comes the responsibility to confront the realities of rampant economic inequality, racial and social unrest, political divisiveness, global climate change, and financial uncertainty.

As part of our ongoing commitment to understanding these issues, I hope you will set aside time on Wednesday, Jan. 31 for the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Lecture on Social Justice, organized by the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. The featured speaker is Anneliese Singh, Ph.D., LPC, professor and chief diversity officer/associate provost for Diversity and Faculty Development at Tulane University, author of “The Racial Healing Handbook,” and co-founder of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition and the Trans Resilience Project.

I am grateful for the persistent work of our students and colleagues and the intentional efforts across our campus to foster a truly welcoming and inclusive community.  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy

President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

As we near the end of another remarkable semester and year, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on our shared achievements throughout Monmouth’s 90^th year, and draw inspiration from the promise of our future. Please enjoy this short video celebrating our collective accomplishments from the past year.

Our students continue to thrive under the caring guidance of our faculty, with the support of staff, coaches, and our entire campus team. Together, we continue to reflect the spirit of excellence that has been the hallmark of our institution for nine decades. I look forward to the New Year and the many more achievements that lie ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

I am writing with important updates about organizational restructuring of the Office of the General Counsel, the Division of Student Life, and the Office of Human Resources, in order to better serve our various constituencies.

As part of the reorganization, Nina Anderson, director of the Office of Equity and Diversity will now report into the Office of Human Resources. Her new title will be director of diversity, equity and inclusion. She will continue to provide oversight of nondiscrimination policies; compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to equal opportunity and affirmative action; investigations of violations of policies and procedures for discrimination and sexual harassment; bias incident reporting involving employees or visitors to campus; and, compliance with the University’s Title IX, ADA 504, and protection of minor children on campus policies.

Amy Arlequin, deputy Title IX coordinator and Clery Compliance Officer, has been named the assistant dean of students, and will report into the Division of Student Life. In her new role, she will provide oversight of the following areas: compliance with state and federal regulations involving students; cases involving students who are alleged to be in violation the Student Code of Conduct, including violations of the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures and the Title IX Harassment Policy; and, bias incident reporting involving any student(s).

As part of this reorganization, Nina and Amy will offer increased education, outreach, and training to support Monmouth’s commitment to fostering a culture of mutual respect and creating a more equitable and inclusive experience for all members of our University community. This redistribution of roles and responsibilities to the Division of Student Life and the Office of Human Resources ensures that we are more fully meeting the needs of our students and employees. We are in the midst of updating the relevant policies, procedures, and webpages to reflect this reorganization, which will all be available to the campus community in the coming weeks.

Please join me in congratulating Nina and Amy on their new roles, and thanking them for leading the University’s efforts to provide a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all feel safe and welcome. As always, if you or any community member believes they are the victim of, or a witness to, an alleged bias incident or crime, you may report the incident, in person, by phone, or by email, or by submitting an anonymous online form.

Thank you in advance for your support of these transitions. As always, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,

Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

As our Thanksgiving break approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on the milestones Monmouth University has achieved this year, our 90th anniversary. We’ve soared to new heights, achieving our highest rankings ever in U.S. News & World Report, and we continue to demonstrate significant progress in social mobility metrics. We welcomed our most academically outstanding incoming class, with nearly half being FLI students – that is, first-generation and/or from low-income households. This semester also marked the first deployment of scholarships from the record-breaking $21 million gift we announced in the spring.

I am grateful for the excellent work of our faculty who have been actively presenting at conferences, publishing books and in academic journals, winning new grant awards, and engaging so meaningfully with our with students—both in and out of the classroom. And, I am so proud that our students have continued to shine in so many areas, including our Debate Hawks, Model UN Team, Blue Hawk Records, MU Players, and collectively by giving back through the Big Event, to name just a few.

We can also take pride in the performance of our student-athletes, with our field hockey, and men’s and women’s soccer teams all advancing to the championships in just our second year in the Coastal Athletic Association. Our rowing team’s Freshman 8+ crew earned silver medals at the prestigious Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. And let’s not forget the thrilling upsets by our women’s and men’s basketball teams against Big East and Big 12 opponents.

Perhaps the most exciting event of the fall was the announcement of the new home of Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music.  This project will not only enrich the academic offerings at our University, it promises to elevate Monmouth’s reputation and presence on a national scale.

I hope you share my sense of pride in these accomplishments and the role each of you plays in making Monmouth a beacon of excellence and opportunity. I am immensely grateful for your dedication and contributions, which continue to drive our University forward. Please enjoy a restful break, revitalized for the final weeks of the semester, and successes still to come.

Sincerely,

Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

As we approach the observance of Veterans Day, I invite each of you to join me in a collective moment of reflection and appreciation to honor those who have served in our nation’s military.

Our veterans’ willingness to serve has safeguarded the freedoms that underpin the very fabric of our society—freedoms that allow us to speak, to learn, and to grow in a space of unbound possibility. As we acknowledge their sacrifices, let us also renew our commitment to the principles they have defended with such steadfast resolve.

You are also welcome to participate in our Veterans Day observance, hosted by the Monmouth University Student Veterans Association, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center, to honor the service of our own military-affiliated students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Recalling the armistice that ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we will also toll the bells 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, ringing our national anthem in thanks for the service of our veterans, and with the hope for peace.

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

If you missed our big announcement last Wednesday about the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music (BSACAM), please permit me to share further details with you.

Together with Bob Santelli ’73, ’14HN, Eileen Chapman, and Bruce Springsteen himself, I announced a new permanent home for the BSACAM on the southeast corner of Cedar and Norwood Avenues, across the parking lot from Woods Theatre. When we launched this initiative in 2017, we envisioned a facility that could house Springsteen’s donated archives, showcase the diverse stories of American music, and serve as an educational resource for both our University and the region. I am pleased to share that this vision will become a reality in 2026.

The 30,000 square foot, visually stunning, environmentally friendly building will feature: exhibition halls for permanent and temporary shows, most of which will be curated by our expert staff; interactive archives for scholarship and research; a 230-seat soundstage and performance theater for lectures, classes, and films; a replica of Bruce Springsteen’s reading room, focusing on the creative songwriting process; as well as offices and other functional space. The landscape plan will place the finishing touches on the project, which will enhance our already beautiful campus in significant ways.

The facility is expected to cost $45 million to construct, and I am pleased to report that we are more than two-thirds of the way to our fundraising goal through the silent phase of our building campaign. When the project is completed, it will have been funded entirely by external gifts, the vast majority of which are from new donors to Monmouth. As a self-sustaining operation that is entirely donor-funded, the BSACAM will further enrich our campus without tapping into any of the University’s financial resources, making it all the more significant for Monmouth.

This building has the potential to transform Monmouth University in many ways. First, it will enhance our already strong position in arts and arts education, providing additional opportunities for student academic programming and faculty scholarship. Second, it will expose our entire campus community—students and employees alike—to a steady stream of musical talent, complementing the incredible work of our Center for the Arts. Third, it will serve as an educational asset for school districts around the state, enhancing our position as a private institution that continues to serve a public purpose. And, finally, it will raise Monmouth University’s stature on a national—indeed international—scale, exposing legions of new people to our beautiful campus and placing Monmouth alongside other fine institutions across the country dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the arts.

I want to thank our Board of Trustees for its unanimous support of this project. I also want to commend BSACAM Executive Director Bob Santelli and his team for advancing the project to this point. I look forward to providing frequent updates on the progress of this exciting project over the next two years. If you have questions or comments in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me directly at president@monmouth.edu. Thank you!

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy

President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

Like all of you, I am saddened to hear the reports coming out of the Middle East. A decades-long conflict has once again erupted into unimaginable bloodshed, with civilians in the crosshairs of targeted attacks. We extend our deepest sympathies to all who are affected or suffering, and especially to our Jewish students, faculty, and staff who may have personal ties to the region.

Resources remain available for all members of the Monmouth University community who seek support during this challenging time. The University has resources available through Counseling and Prevention Services and the Office of Human Resources to support our community. The Intercultural Center is also a place where students of all backgrounds can feel safe and supported. And, of course, faculty and staff members are always available to support one another and our students in trying times like these. 

The members of our community join all people of goodwill throughout the world in calling for peace, empathy, and de-escalation at this time. With violence spreading throughout the world, let’s commit to making our campus community a haven for global understanding, learning, and mutual support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

More than two decades ago, our nation experienced the most devastating attacks on American soil, claiming the lives of thousands in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA. Twenty-two years may seem like a long time, and for many of our students, it represents a lifetime. As we mark the 22^nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pay tribute to the 2,977 precious lives lost, and to the countless acts of heroism revealed during that dark hour.

In honor of our country and in remembrance of all those who lost their lives, there will be a tolling of the University bells for two minutes at the times below today. We invite you to observe a moment of silence at these times.

8:46 a.m. │ AA Flight 11 was flown into the World Trade Center North Tower.

9:03 a.m. │ AA Flight 175 was flown into the World Trade Center South Tower.

9:43 a.m. │ AA Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon building.

10:10 a.m. │ UA Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, PA after heroic actions by passengers and crew.

We also encourage you to visit the 9/11 Veterans Memorial between 9:00-11:00 a.m. today, located across from the entrance to the Rebecca Stafford Student Center, to plant a flag in honor of the fallen heroes from this tragic day. An additional moment of silence will take place immediately following the flag planting at 11:00 a.m.

While no words or deeds can ever remove the pain and sense of helplessness caused by the 9/11 attacks, my hope is that we—as a University community—will pause to reflect on the solemn significance of this day by honoring the thousands of lives lost and remembering the brave heroes who responded on that fateful day and in the years that followed. May we never forget.

Sincerely,  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

As we gather for a new academic year, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all of you—both familiar faces and new members of our extraordinary community.

With our student move-ins complete and classes now officially underway, I am delighted to welcome in a special way all of our incoming students. The 975 first-year members comprising the Class of 2027 represent the finest class in our University’s 90-year history. This newest cohort of first-year students is arriving with the highest grade point average in our institution’s history; an academic profile that is also reflected in the largest number of students matriculating into the Honors School. This, on top of last year’s best-ever class, is a strong mark of our growing reputation for academic quality and distinction.

The Class of 2027 also includes our highest percentage of out-of-state students yet, expanding Monmouth’s reach and global impact. And, our commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere has resulted in an increase in student diversity, enhancing the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives that make up our University.

As we advance on our ambition for Monmouth to become both more excellent and more accessible, it is gratifying that external rankings continue to recognize these and other strengths of our community. For the 19th straight year, The Princeton Review has named Monmouth one of the nation’s “Best 389 Colleges,” representing the top 15% of four-year colleges nationwide. And, in the most recent rankings released by Washington Monthly, Monmouth climbed an impressive 19 spots on the index for social mobility of graduates.

As we embark on a new year at Monmouth, let us remember that we are all part of a community dedicated to ensuring that every individual member is valued and respected. We all belong to a community that thrives on our collective efforts as well as our individual achievements. Our distinguished faculty bring their expertise to the forefront of learning, our dedicated staff serve our students and ensure the smooth functioning of our operations, and our talented students—undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral—drive the spirit of growth, discovery, connection, and service that has defined our mission since its founding 90 years ago.

Whether you are returning to Monmouth or joining us for your first year, we are so pleased to have you as part our Hawk family. Here’s to a successful and rewarding academic year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

As we look forward to the beginning of a new academic year, we are stunned and saddened by the gun violence afflicting communities across our nation, in particular recent episodes on and around college and university campuses. 

Our hearts go out to our colleagues at UNC Chapel Hill where a faculty member was killed senselessly while working in a campus building. This follows the recent racially motivated hate crime in Florida, where a larger tragedy was narrowly avoided at Edward Waters University, when the assailant was turned away by alert staff and students. Both of these incidents, among others in recent years, hit close to home for all of us who work on a college campus. 

Monmouth University strives to maintain a safe campus community.  The Monmouth University Police Department and our Department of Student Life work diligently to create a campus that is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty, and staff. We are grateful to all of our colleagues in these areas for their leadership. But, a safe and supportive community is a shared responsibility. We need to stay vigilant and watch out for one another. If you see a problem, please report it to the Monmouth University Police Department at 732-571-4444. We regularly review safety protocols and strive for continuous improvement. These recent incidents underscore the importance of these efforts. 

Our profound sense of community is a defining hallmark of Monmouth University.  Monmouth is a place where each individual is respected and supported, a community where our individual differences are celebrated. As we enter the fall semester, we are confident that our community is strong and growing stronger. 

We wish you all the best with the start of a new semester and thank you for your efforts on behalf of our students.

Sincerely,

President Patrick F. Leahy and Interim Provost Richard Veit