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.

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…

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…

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…

Creation of Immigration Task Force

This felt like a week for hunkering down. With bitter cold outside, students are finally pulling out serious coats and warm hats to get to early morning classes. I have…

Start of a New Term

Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a restful and restorative break. I spent most of the holiday here in Northfield with my family, enjoying the snow while it lasted.…

December at Carleton

There is a unique rhythm to Carleton in December, when the campus takes advantage of the break between terms to catch its breath and also undertake professional development or long-term…

Innovation and the Liberal Arts

Welcome to Week Ten! As we reach the finish line of a busy fall term, the intensity and sense of purpose on campus is palpable, as everyone focuses on the…

Curious and Creative Carls

While there are many ways that I get to know Carleton students — working with CSA, being interviewed by The Carletonian, going to sports events and performances — there is…

Processing the Election Results

I am very grateful for the efforts of many groups on campus to help prepare our community for this week’s election. Seeing students, faculty and staff sharing information about voting,…

Getting ready for the election

Happy Halloween! I look forward to welcoming students to Nutting House for our Halloween Open House this evening. This time of year, it is handy to live in a Victorian…

What is the Board of Trustees?

One question students in particular often have about the College is: what is the role of the Board of Trustees? As we will welcome the Board to campus for its…

Carleton Joins Welcome Corps on Campus

I know that the ongoing violence in the Middle East continues to be on the minds of many on our campus. As an academic institution, our response has generally been…

A Year of AI Curiosity

As the reach and impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand, the questions we have about it — as individuals, students, teachers, and professionals — also continue to…

Sharing Carleton’s Draft Sustainability Framework

I am delighted to share today a draft of a proposed new framework for sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice at Carleton — the culmination of over a year’s worth…

Learning from Other Voices

The start of a new year is one of the great joys of a college campus. Every fall, we reconvene and reconstitute ourselves as a community: returning students, as well…

Summer Comes to a Close

With Labor Day behind us, and New Student Week about to begin, you can feel the energy building on campus! Student athletes, peer leaders, and some other groups have already…

Carleton pledges support for Reimagine Northfield High School

Carleton is very fortunate to be located in the charming, historic, and friendly town of Northfield. An attractive location is important not only to prospective students, but also to our…

Welcoming CAVE to Campus

You may be confused at the sight of more than 200 alumni on campus this weekend. Wait, wasn’t Reunion in June? That was my reaction in the summer of 2021…

Creating a new Staff Council

The College’s strategic direction, Carleton 2033: The Liberal Arts in Action, identifies community as one of three major values of the College. Among the goals supporting this area is a…

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