By Steve Gilliam, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 12-06-07
Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan.
GREENSBORO, NC – Dr. Patricia A. Sullivan, who became the first woman chancellor at UNCG in 1995, has announced that she will retire from the position, effective July 31, 2008. She made the following statement to the UNCG Board of Trustees at the board’s Dec. 6 meeting:
Before I close my remarks this afternoon, I would like to share a significant announcement and leave you with an excerpt from a favorite poem.
When I first came to UNCG 13 years ago, I quoted from the poem “Ithaca” while delivering my installation address as a newly-appointed chancellor. There is a verse that means a lot to me because it is about the importance and the beauty of the journey.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
Without a doubt, UNCG – like Ithaca – has rewarded me with an extraordinary journey these last 13 years. I have certainly gained a great deal along the way.
That is why it is so very bittersweet to announce that I have submitted my notice of retirement to President Erskine Bowles and Board of Trustee chair Stephen Hassenfelt, effective July 31, 2008.
It has been the greatest privilege and honor to lead this university. UNCG is teeming with great people working together to make great things happen. People like all of you. As chancellor, I have been able to work closely with those who share a deep sense of purpose and dedication for seeing UNCG evolve to be a prestigious, top-tier university.
Over the past several years, as I have been approaching retirement age, the university has been steadily gaining ground toward meeting key goals. In fact, there are two very specific and major achievements that I wanted to accomplish as Chancellor. They have kept me focused and determined to honor my commitment to UNCG.
The first, I am proud and honored to say, has been realized: UNCG has earned classification as a research university with high research activity, putting us in the same class as institutions like William & Mary, Georgetown, Rutgers, Wake Forest and Boston College.
Achieving this status holds a great deal of meaning for UNCG. It points to a future of immense promise and possibility for the university to make significant contributions regionally and globally through our research and scholarly work.
The second major goal with which I wanted to mark my years of service was to raise $100 million dollars through The Students First Campaign. I am truly amazed by the financial support we have received throughout the nation. And now we are within striking distance of realizing this incredible achievement.
In keeping with the excellence inherent to this university and its loyal supporters, we have currently raised $87.5 million dollars; so I know we will not only meet, but exceed the $100 million goal well ahead of time – and I won’t be surprised if it will be before my retirement begins.
What I will be is forever grateful for and inspired by your leadership and hard work for the many contributions you’re making. UNCG has a strong foundation for a new leader to enter and to keep our prestigious university moving forward.
There is another fervent UNCG supporter that I want to also thank … my husband and faithful partner, Charlie. Serving in a position like Chancellor takes a great deal of time and focus, and I could not have dedicated myself fully without his constant guidance, support and love. It has been wonderful for us to experience a shared enthusiasm for UNCG.
As with any worthwhile journey, each year during which I’ve served as Chancellor has been marked by great strides and inspiring challenges. Many surprises and many successes. Moments in which my heart has swelled with pride; and moments that pulled at my heartstrings.
It has been, after all, a beautiful voyage … and I shall always understand what UNCG means.
My deepest gratitude to each of you!
