I am privileged to serve as president of Rutgers University in the midst of an enormous and exciting transition for the institution. We are fast approaching July 1, 2013, when nearly all units of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey will be transferred to Rutgers, creating an academic powerhouse with opportunities to excel in the medical, dental, and health sciences and to better serve our state and the nation. Through the same legislation that effected this historic transformation, our Rutgers–Camden campus will gain increased autonomy and begin a new collaboration with Rowan University in the health sciences. These changes are taking place at a nearly 250-year-old institution that has already achieved distinction for its strengths in the arts and sciences, its rich diversity and commitment to access, and its innovative graduate and professional programs.

At a remarkable time of challenge for higher education, Rutgers has the opportunity to be a leader for the nation, and I am excited to be able to contribute to that work.