This has been a year not only of transition, but of transformation. As I conclude my first year as University President, I can report that the pride, enthusiasm and excitement with which I began my term have been intensified by good news on many levels.

Perhaps the best news was notification by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that they reaffirmed UMDNJ’s accreditation through the year 2012. After a concerted effort by our Board of Trustees, administration, deans, faculty and staff to enact the necessary reforms and controls, UMDNJ demonstrated to this accrediting body that our institution has been transformed into an organization worthy of the public’s trust. We worked hard this year to accelerate positive momentum that culminated in our unfettered recognition as an institution of higher education.

These efforts paid important dividends. As part of their review process, the Middle States survey team conducted an on-site evaluation. At the conclusion, the reviewers specifically commented on “the palpable change in spirit and enthusiasm of our team members.” They remarked on how we had pulled together when many other institutions may have become more fragmented. Our ability to collaborate serves as a signal that UMDNJ remains strong and is a tribute to the commitment of all members of the University team to making our institution even better going forward.

I believe that this commitment is strengthened by open and frequent communication from senior administration to the entire University community. This year a series of Town Hall meetings gave me and my leadership team the opportunity to share our vision for UMDNJ and to respond to the suggestions and concerns of faculty, staff and students.

These meetings confirmed my observation that UMDNJ is a great and talented organization and a valuable asset for New Jersey. Our achievements and our expertise across many domains were recognized this year in national media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Time magazine. Our good news was featured statewide on television, as well as in regional and local press.
The stories demonstrate the remarkable breadth of our accomplishments and reflect our determination to excel at our missions with integrity.

William F. Owen, Jr., MD
President