Taking Stock: State of the University, Overview of Accomplishments: 2003-2004, Office of the President, University of Maryland

What's Past is Prologue

In my report to the Regents in Spring 2004, I reiterated my commitment to building a university equal to the best research universities in the nation. I have had one strategy and will continue to pursue it. An unrelenting, unwavering, and unapologetic determination to build a great university will lead us to our State-mandated goal.

The success we have achieved in our growth over the past five years has imbued the campus with a sense of true accomplishment and almost palpable pride. As I look to the future, I propose to continue along the path set in 1999: spreading a culture of excellence; enhancing the educational experience for our students; and building the greater Maryland family. In my address delivered to the University Senate, I noted that our future efforts to succeed will increasingly be affected by three factors. The shifting funding model for higher education will require us to generate more of our own resources. The fierce competition we face with other universities both at home and abroad demands an especially aggressive pursuit of our goals with an eye on the competition. Finally, the globalization of all issues that affect our lives from the economic to the environmental, health, and security areas will require us to become more active players on the world stage.
Over the past five years, we have made enormous strides in realizing our potential. The success we have enjoyed in 2003-2004, in spite of serious budget reductions, signals our determination to push on over hurdles to the fullest extent possible. With support from our friends and from the State, we can look forward with confidence to a future that takes us ever closer to our goal.

Office of the President, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742