Letter from the President

Miami University President's Letter

portrait of president greg crawford

Dear Miami community,

This was a year we will never forget. We started in fall 2019 with Miami’s largest first-year class and a new MiamiRISE strategic plan to launch a bold and innovative future for Miami University. We ended the academic year in our homes, teaching and learning virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In between, our commitment to Miami’s mission and values became clearer than ever: Serving students to give them every opportunity at success remains in Miami’s DNA and cannot be squashed—even by a global outbreak. In this President’s Report, you can read, hear, and watch the stories of an eventful year.

We see our future clearly. Our Boldly Creative investments are bringing new academic programs that prepare students for the careers of today and tomorrow. We launched the Work+ jobs program at Miami Regionals. Our student-athletes on the football team won their first Mid-American Conference title in a decade and played in a bowl game. Miami won the Simon Award for our global initiatives. Planning started for a new Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness building, our first new academic building since the Farmer School of Business opened in 2010.

Then came March 10, when we made the difficult decision to transition to remote learning because of the coronavirus outbreak. The safety and security of students, faculty, and staff drove each and every one of our decisions. Within hours, Miamians were helping their fellow students and our communities. They donated protective equipment to local non-profit groups. They banded together to enhance online course offerings. Staff members, including me, called every single undergraduate to see how they were doing. Several Miamians served in the National Guard at local food banks. Our public health program helped the Butler County General Health District plan for at-risk populations. As we progressed through the summer, the Safe Return to Campus committee developed the Healthy Together Plan to return to campuses for fall 2020.

greg and renate crawford hand out PPE supplies with their dog ivy
President Gregory Crawford and Renate Crawford handing out masks.

I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for the spirit and optimism of our Miami community. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni demonstrate Love and Honor every day, in times of triumph and times of crisis. Thanks to all for your dedication to Miami University. It truly is a year we will never forget.

Love and Honor, Greg Crawford Signature Gregory P. Crawford President