As seen in the Spring DU Review digital Magazine

This will be my final presidential message for Davenport University’s DU Review. Even though I announced my retirement from this great institution months ago, it still seems a bit unreal. During these 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding professionals who have become the highlight of my professional life: with leaders who have exemplified integrity, intellect and character and with faculty and staff who have demonstrated passion and commitment to our students. I have profound gratitude for what we have accomplished together. 

I’m especially proud of receiving the Michigan Performance Excellence Award – the first university in the state to earn this distinction tied to the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. We focused on quality to serve our students, and it showed. The university received the American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. These are institutional awards because of all of you. Thank you for your dedication and support of our students. 

The wins keep coming because Davenport keeps going. That is the way it should be. We’ve shared many achievements of our students, faculty and staff in this magazine, and this issue is no different. You will read about a group of nursing faculty and students who travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, for an unforgettable study abroad trip filled with educational and cultural exploration. We will again showcase some impressive Davenport alumni in our “Faces of DU” feature, including a co-founder of a brewing company and a vice president dedicated to making “happy campers!” We also have a dynasty in the making. Our Esports team showed its domination by winning its third consecutive GLIAC championship. Go Panthers!

When I retire at the end of June, I will continue to cheer on the Panthers, whether on the field or in the classroom. This is a special place. I will stay connected to those who have made Davenport innovate, made Davenport better, made Davenport game for the journey ahead. With Vision 2030, which builds on our strategic planning of many years, we set the course for the future. The challenges we have faced have always made the university stronger and more committed to being a pioneer in talent development. We are now taking a leadership role in AI and equipping all our students to thrive in this new age, while also focusing on the human skills still so desperately needed. 

My service at Davenport is limited by the calendar, but my commitment is lifelong. As I write this, our Board of Trustees, along with an advisory committee made up of university and community members, is leading the search for a new president. I will support the new leadership and this community as I also make more time for my family, my wife Pam and my children and grandchildren. I’ll continue to learn and may pick up a hobby or two. Despite the challenges facing higher education, the foundation at Davenport is solid. I am immensely grateful for my time serving you as president. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D.

President