February 25, 2025
Dear members of the campus community,
Since joining Connecticut College as president in July 2024, I have been deeply committed to creating a structure that would further advance our fundamental values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The work of the Division of Equity and Inclusion has always been multifaceted and nuanced, which is why it was essential to hear from as many members of our community as possible – including faculty, staff, students and alumni – about their experiences and aspirations. This has enabled a thoughtful and collaborative approach to ensuring that the leadership, resources and support are in place for all to thrive academically and professionally.
Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the creation of a new division at the College: the Division of Retention and Success, ably led by Erika Smith as the inaugural vice president for Retention and Success and dean of the College. The Dean of the College Division has made critical contributions to both the retention and success of our students. In complementary ways, the Division of Equity and Inclusion has supported student belonging and cultivation of a healthy campus climate, significantly contributing to retention and success as well. The new structure will facilitate the ability of the combined team to support not only students, but also to meaningfully contribute to efforts to retain and invest in the success of faculty and staff. By doing so, equity and inclusion efforts will be woven into every aspect of the College experience – including departments, personnel, policies, curriculum and operations – rather than being siloed within a single division. This critical work will touch each department and person at Conn and will hold a central place in institutional decision-making, further creating a workplace and learning environment where individuals are allowed to grow and be their authentic selves.
Dean Smith’s proven leadership, vision and dedication make her well-equipped to guide this expanded mission, ensuring both continuity and progress as we work together toward systemic change. Dean Smith has identified a great many strengths in both the Dean of College Division and the Division of Equity and Inclusion. While this change is effective immediately, she will focus over the next three months on assessing those strengths across the new division, shaping an organizational structure that best leverages the talents of the full team. All of the current resources of both divisions will remain in place during this period of transition. As part of this new structure, certain functions currently part of the Dean of the College Division have been repositioned to better serve our mission. Specifically, the Registrar’s Office will return to the Dean of the Faculty Division, and the assistant dean of Connections will move to the Dean of Faculty Division as well.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the DEI team, as well as to the many faculty, staff, students, alumni and others who provided valuable insights to help shape this change. I also offer special thanks to former Interim DEI Dean Nakia Hamlett for her instrumental contributions in laying the groundwork for a more sustainable approach to equity and inclusion.
Please join me in celebrating this exciting change and in welcoming Vice President and Dean Smith into her new role. Together, with your continued input and partnership, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community that supports the success of all students, faculty and staff.
Sincerely,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President