Dear DDCE Community,

This afternoon many of you received the message from President Gregory L. Fenves that I will be stepping down as vice president for diversity and community engagement and professor to assume a new role as President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

As you can imagine, the decision to leave UT was a difficult one. The University of Texas at Austin has always been an exciting, fulfilling place to be. The DDCE’s work strengthening the diverse and inclusive culture at one of the finest public research institutions in the nation has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve undertaken during my career. I love UT Austin and the only place for which I would leave this university is my alma mater, Hobart and William Smith Colleges. For me and thousands of other alumni, HWS laid the intellectual foundation for a life of consequence. Attending that institution was transformative, and for more than 30 years I have maintained a strong connection to that institution, its students, faculty and alumni.  Recently, I have been involved as a member of the Board of Trustees. The offer to lead a prominent liberal arts institution about which I care deeply, presents new opportunities for my career and family.

I am excited to begin a new phase of my career in Geneva, NY, but it is bittersweet to leave one of the finest teams in higher education and dear friends in the Austin community. I would like to thank everyone on the DDCE team as well as all DDCE supporters who have made the success of the division possible during the last ten years. Each of you means a great deal to me. We have accomplished more than I could have imagined in 2007 when President Bill Powers and I discussed establishing this division. But the DDCE’s good work will continue due to the passion, commitment and excellence I see every day when I arrive on campus—not only from the DDCE staff but from President Greg Fenves, my fellow vice presidents, deans and faculty.

My last day at the university will be July 16. During the next few months, I will be working closely with President Fenves and continuing work on a number of important initiatives on campus and in the community. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the DDCE. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming celebratory events marking this important milestone and look forward to continuing our good work here on the Forty Acres.

Sincerely,

Gregory J. Vincent

Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement

W.K. Kellogg Professor in Community College Leadership

Professor, School of Law

See the announcement by Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

See the announcement from University of Texas at Austin and President Greg Fenves