Column: From the President’s Desk – Office of the President

Past columns from President Byerly originally included in Carleton Today, Carleton’s weekly internal newsletter.

Cultivating Lifelong Curiosity

We often say that a liberal arts education promotes lifelong learning. There is no better proof of that than the enthusiasm that Carleton alumni have for continuing to hear from…

Student Employment to Move to Career Center

One distinctive feature of Carleton is the large number of students who participate in student employment: 70–80% of students undertake campus jobs at some point during their four years. Through…

Pushing to the Finish Line

Anyone familiar with the Boston Marathon knows “Heartbreak Hill,” a big push that occurs at mile 20, when you’re exhausted, close to the end of the race, but still have…

Wuthering Heights

It’s eighth week, which means everyone has lots of work to do… and sometimes we need distractions! As a literature professor whose field of expertise is the nineteenth-century British novel,…

Reimagining Employee Recognition Day

Carleton is fortunate in having incredibly talented and dedicated staff and faculty across all areas of the College. One of the ways in which we show our appreciation for the…

Board of Trustees Approves FY27 Budget

Last weekend offered a choice between somewhat warmer weather for doing things outdoors, and lots of indoor activities — Midwinter Ball, Super Bowl parties, or just watching the Olympics and…

Advocating for Higher Education

I began this week in Washington, D.C. (which was nearly as cold and snowy as Northfield!) at the annual meeting of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU),…

The Power of Presence and Community

Under normal circumstances, the fourth week of winter term can feel challenging, as coursework begins to intensify at the same time that January temperatures plummet below zero. This past week…

Concern for our community

This is a strange and anxious time in Minnesota. I know that many faculty and staff who live in the Twin Cities, and students with families there, have been impacted…

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Innovation

As a follow-up to recommendations in the Carleton 2033: The Liberal Arts in Action strategic direction, a task force on interdisciplinarity, chaired by Ross Elfline, professor of art history, was…

Immigration Task Force Update

As we return to campus and launch into winter term, I know that many are concerned about increased immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities, particularly in light of yesterday’s…

Finding Strength in Community

As we approach the holiday break, what should be a season of fellowship and celebration has been sadly disrupted by the two tragic shootings that took place last weekend. The…

Gratitude for Our Local Community

d of fall term. The campus is surprisingly busy during winter break, when we take the opportunity to share our unique facilities with many local organizations. The Rotary-sponsored Turkey Trot,…

Give Yourself a Break

As we come to the end of Week Nine, everyone is working hard, and some may even be feeling a bit stressed. It was a special gift, therefore, to have…

Cultural Diversity at Carleton

It is not news to note that this is a very busy time of year! The intensity of academic work as we approach the end of term is matched by…

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap

Happy day before Halloween! I hope many of you will stop by the College offices that are decorated for the fall decorating contest, or visit those participating in campus trick-or-treating…

Supporting Our Local Community

With so much commentary at the national level about the relationship between colleges and universities and the federal government, it is important to recognize the public impact of colleges like…

Enjoying Homecoming and Family Weekend

When I was a college student, my parents weren’t able to make the trip from Pennsylvania up to Wellesley for what was called “Sophomore Parents’ Weekend.” So my sibs decided…

Careers and the Liberal Arts

A liberal arts education is not designed as a ticket to a specific job, but as a gateway to many possible futures. After graduation, Carleton alumni pursue a wide range…

A Week in the Life of Carleton’s President

Two weeks ago at Nutting House, a first-year student turned the tables on my get-to-know-you questions, asking me: “So, what does life as a college president look like?” Great question!…

Fall Sports in Full Swing

This Saturday, Carleton’s football team will face our cross-town rivals St. Olaf, seeking to reclaim the “Goat Trophy” that we gave up last year in a longstanding rivalry that was…

AI Year of Experimentation

It was wonderful to see so many of you at Opening Convocation on Monday, and to usher in the new year with a uniquely Carleton blend of academic tradition, community…

Campus Prepares for the New Year

It is great to see the campus beginning to fill with students again, with athletes and peer leaders already here, and international students arriving today. We are excited to welcome…

Impact of New Federal Legislation

Though summer is a quiet time on campus, a lot has been happening in the national political landscape that impacts higher education and Carleton. On July 4, President Trump signed…

Getting to Know the Midwest

Since moving to Northfield, Steve and I have enjoyed taking a little time each summer to get to know the Midwest. Last week, we returned from a week+ of exploring…

Reunion 2025 Reflections

Last weekend, we hosted more than 2,300 alumni and guests on campus for Reunion 2025. That number included nearly 200 youngsters, many of whom participated either in “Camp Carleton,” or…

Congratulations Class of 2025

Happy Commencement week! This has been a busy week of preparation for many offices on campus, and hopefully a fun time for seniors as they enjoy their final days on…

End of Year Reflections

Happy end of term! With classes behind us, students and faculty can step back and focus on… exams, papers, and other final work. Well, very soon everyone can focus on…

Celebrating Academic Excellence at Honors Convocation

Amidst the many celebratory events in the weeks before Commencement, the Honors Convocation that takes place next Friday occupies a special place. Honors Convo not only recognizes students who have…

Response to CSA’s Resolution for Summer Food Pantry

Dear Carleton Student Association (CSA), We write in response to the April 22, 2025, Carleton Student Association (CSA) resolution advocating for a summer food pantry, and following a recent meeting…

Board of Trustees Approves Campus Facilities Plan

Last weekend we enjoyed some spectacular spring weather as a backdrop to many standout events: Empty Bowls, a collaborative theater-music production of Twelfth Night, the Senior Art Show, Ultimate and…

Engaging Alumni and Families on Federal Actions

The College has many ways of keeping alumni up to date, from timely stories on social media to more detailed pieces in The Voice. The rapid pace of changes at the…

Colleges and Universities Standing Together

You may have seen news coverage of the statement that was released on Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), and signed by more than 200 college and university…

Staying Informed About National Issues

As we continue to follow national news and consider the federal government’s impact on higher education and Carleton, we in the administration are in regular contact with peers at other…

Carleton in Asia

One of my responsibilities as president is to help alumni, parents, and friends of the College stay connected to things happening on campus. I travel regularly to Chicago, New York,…

An Uncertain Higher Ed Landscape

Week 8 is a very busy time on campus, with lots of events, comps presentations and internship applications added to the final weeks of winter term classes. There is also…

Building Community at Dacie Moses House

Among the many facilities projects unfolding on campus as part of the student life and housing plan, few have been more closely watched than the renovation of Dacie Moses House. This…

Board of Trustees Update

This past weekend the Board of Trustees gathered in Boston, along with a number of faculty and administrators, for a special retreat to discuss topics related to major strategic goals…

Celebrating Our Diverse Community

The start of Black History Month (BHM) reminds us of the importance of learning about, reckoning with, and celebrating Black history. At Carleton, BHM events include a convocation talk with…

Focusing On Our Mission

Among the many Executive Orders released by the White House over the past week are several with direct potential impacts on higher education. A memorandum Monday from the Office of…

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