From the Desk of Willie Brown V9N1

Next week, our teams will be the first to welcome the incoming class of 2030 during Move-in Weekend. By the time this class graduates, both San Benito and the Channel Islands Neighborhood projects will be complete. This class, and the ones to follow, will also have their first two years of housing guaranteed. The housing constraints we’ve experienced since COVID will see dramatic improvements after this year, and I’m proud of our efforts to get back to a multiple year housing guarantee. 

In August, the Leadership Team worked with Steve Dewart to develop our strategic initiatives for the 2026-2027 academic year during our annual strategic reset. Three main themes guided our planning day: prepare for opening San Benito, sustain our people, and lead our teams through constrained budget realities. At the Fall Town Hall on October 21 and through individual visits to different units, our leadership team will share more about these themes and how your day-to-day work fits into the larger strategic efforts for HDAE.

Opening two, new large housing projects in back to back years is a tremendous undertaking for our teams. I encourage you to take advantage of our Learning & Development and Health & Wellness programs, support one another, and focus your time and resources on the work that matters most. I want to thank you for your continued, sustained excellence. It is not easy to work in constantly changing conditions, preparing for the unknowns the future will bring. What I can guarantee is we will move into the future, together, with agency. 

The college experience begins with move-in, setting the tone for the entire academic year. Helping new students and their families feel supported as they arrive on campus is a direct reflection of our commitment to service excellence. Thank you, sincerely, for working Move-in Weekend and let’s welcome the Class of 2030!

With gratitude,

Willie Brown