While the news media placed great emphasis on President Walsh’s comments, his comments did not take me by surprise. That’s because I heard similar expressions of this community’s support for its University day in and day out.
      That support was here before Cyndie and I arrived, and it will remain when the next chancellor – and the next and the next – mark their arrivals on campus.
      There also is so much from a leadership standpoint that makes me confident about UW-Green Bay’s future. Interim Chancellor David Ward is a highly regarded, experienced leader who clearly understands the potential for the University to make a difference in the quality of life and economy of Northeastern Wisconsin. We are fortunate that he has agreed to serve. And as interim provost, my good friend Bill Laatsch will make another major contribution to a University he has served so well for decades.
      In addition, UW System President Kevin Reilly has made sound choices in his appointments to the 21-member Search and Screen Committee that will help identify the next chancellor. The committee members know the campus and community and understand the opportunities and challenges facing the University’s next leader.
And as President Reilly, the Board of Regents and the Search and Screen Committee go about their important task of finding the next chancellor, they will have the advantage of selling to that individual an institution that is in a perfect position from which to build future success.

Before I conclude this final Chancellor’s FYI, I want to express the deep sense of gratitude and affection Cyndie and I have for the entire UW-Green Bay and Green Bay communities. You gave us the opportunity not only to serve, but to learn and grow. I made my share of mistakes, but your patience enabled me to learn from those mistakes, move on to the next decision, and keep the campus moving in a positive direction.
      To the faculty and staff, I can’t say enough about the value you bring to the campus and community. I am immensely proud to have had you as colleagues. To our community friends, you helped us realize that dreams come true when we share those dreams and work together. To all of you, we will always cherish our experiences at UW-Green Bay and the meaningful, lasting relationships we have established.
      Cyndie and I leave here knowing we gave our all and hoping that we were able to make a small contribution to the growth and evolution of an exceptional university. And we leave here knowing that you gave us the gift of friendship we will treasure for the rest of our lives.

Thank you,

Bruce Shepard