August 29, 2022
In his welcoming message for the fall semester, President Dean shares his experiences meeting new faculty, staff and students, offers several resources to promote a healthy campus community and provides an important reminder about updated COVID policies for everyone on the Durham campus. He also shares a preview of the new Enterprise Resources Planning system (the new financial, student and human resources software for our campuses) along with an update on changes in the offices led by Chief Diversity Officer Nadine Petty.
August 4, 2022
President Dean details COVID guidelines for the Durham campus this fall, noting that they may be adjusted if circumstances change.
August 3, 2022
President Dean and Provost Jones offer business resources to help faculty and staff across UNH's three campuses prepare their teams, systems, processes, curriculum, research and many other things that make our community strong and vibrant.
July 26, 2022
President Dean announces three new members of the UNH Executive Committee alongs with plans for a bus tour of the state early this fall. The university is also drafting policies around COVID for the fall semester.
July 5, 2022
Allison Rich will become UNH's new director of athletics, effective July 25. Rich comes to UNH from her alma mater, Princeton University, where she serves as the senior associate director of athletics and is the senior woman administrator for a program which excels nationally while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and student-athlete welfare.
June 28, 2022
President Dean addresses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the university's efforts to ascertain its impact on the university. He also reports on the recent USNH Board of Trustees meeting, which approved UNH's 2022-23 budget, appointed a new board chair and agreed with the AAUP-UNH to use the factfinder's report to settle on a contract. A new team at UNH is being created this summer to assess business support system needs across the university, and President Dean also announced an additional one-time paid holiday for facutly and staff on Nov. 23 this year.
May 26, 2022
President Dean offers his gratitude to the UNH community for contributing to the success of commencements, and he shares two highlight videos from the ceremonies. He also announces a new ranking that puts UNH among national leaders in the value of its research licenses and options, along with an update on the search for a new athletic director and UNH's efforts to renew its status as a Carnegie "community engaged institution." His book list for May includes an important new work about how students and others at 10 US universities, including UNH, think about college education.
May 24, 2022
University leaders report on recent progress on the merger of Granite State College and the University of New Hampshire.
May 22, 2022
Kimani is Kenya’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations. Read his remarks.
UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
May 17, 2022
Following two mass shootings over the weekend, President Dean invites the university community to an online opportunity on May 19 to process the events and receive support.
April 28, 2022
President Dean shares promising news about continued low rates of COVID-19 infections across our campuses, on overview of Commencement ceremonies and keynote speakers and good news about fall admissions to date.
March 31, 2022
The continued, steady decline in the number and severity of COVID-19 cases is allowing UNH to bring back signature in-person events this spring, including the staff recognition awards ceremony, Graduate Research Conference, Undergraduate Research Conference and 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge.
March 23, 2022
A reduction in COVID-19 cases, a reminder to stay current with testing, announcements of new hires and a departure, student award nominations and the opening of the Cat's Cupboard student food pantry are included in President Dean's monthly update to the community.
March 14, 2022
President Dean invites UNH staff and faculty to enjoy free tickets to one of our signature student arts productions.
March 10, 2022
Construction inside the Whitt will begin later this month and is expected to be finished before the 2022-23 hockey season. Commencement ceremonies will be held outdoors at Memorial Field this year, but the project will allow future ceremonies to be held inside the Whitt.
March 4, 2022
Effective immediately, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces on any of our three campuses (Durham, Manchester, Concord). This decision is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which UNH has followed throughout the pandemic.
March 3, 2022
The University System of New Hampshire trustees have announced that President Dean will serve as internim USNH chancellor in addition to his current role as UNH president.
February 28, 2022
President Dean shares his support for peace in Ukraine and notes that the university is reaching out to those in the UNH community who are impacted by Russia's invasion. He also offers highlights from the recent State of the University address and promotes opportunities to engage in Women's History Month.
February 16, 2022
In appreciation of their hard work and dedication, UNH faculty and staff and their families are being offered free tickets to a variety great events at the end of February.
February 9, 2022
The UNH community is invted to an online town hall on Feb. 16 at 4p.m. for a dialogue about the university's updated commitments to addressing sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence.
February 8, 2022
President Dean reviews the challenges and accomplishments of 2021, reports progress on The Future of UNH strategic initiatives and looks ahead to 2022.
January 31, 2022
President Dean's new update covers a range of key issues for the spring semster:
January 25, 2022
President Dean and Provost Jones share an update on Human Resources, Finance, Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) and Procurement process improvements.
January 11, 2022
The news you've all been waiting for: The spring semester at the University of New Hampshire will begin in person and as scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 25 (Jan. 18 for UNH Franklin Pierce Law). Learn about the COVID health protocols for the semester, including testing, vaccinations, isolation, quarantine, masking and more.
January 5, 2022
President Dean shares important changes and reminders regarding testing, communications, isolation and other issues around COVID-19.
December 21, 2021
President Dean shares an end-of-the-semester message with the UNH community.
December 20, 2021
President Dean shares an update on the merger of UNH and Granite State College, including work to integrate academic and non-academic functions and to create a single college of professional studies.
December 14, 2021
University leaders share a comprehensive plan to strengthen UNH's interpersonal and sexual violence prevention and response efforts. In this document, you will find 22 concrete commitments organized by four focus areas that came through in recent community conversations.
December 13, 2021
President Dean shares an update on a recent court ruling regarding COVID-19 vaccine requirements for employees who are working under federal government contracts.
December 5, 2021
University leaders share an update on the search for Vincenzo Lirosi, whose body was found in the wooded area off Coe Drive. They also offer support and resources to students, faculty and staff.
December 2, 2021
President Dean and Nadine Petty, associate vice president for UNH Community, Equity and Diversity, provide an update on the university's efforts to prevent interpersonal and sexual violence, and they share resources for students, faculty and staff who may feel unsafe or in need of support.
November 23, 2021
President Dean offers a message of gratitude for Thanksgiving, noting the recent opening of the Health Science Simulation Center, the installation of a historic marker commemorating the School of Citizenship at UNH in 1919 and ceremonies celebrating the 2020 and 2021 winners of the Faculty Excellence Awards; along with campus updates and his monthly book list.
November 21, 2021
President Dean announces the retirement of Marty Scarano, director of athletics, at the end of the current season after 22 years with the university. Under Scarano's leadership, the privately funded Watkins Center for Student-Athlete Excellence opened, the department earned an NCAA Graduation Success Rate of 95% in 2020 and won the America East Academic Cup for highest cumulative GPA four times in the last seven years.
November 2, 2021
It has been determined that the federal government’s requirement that organizations with federal contracts must have their employees vaccinated for COVID-19 will now include UNH Manchester, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law and UNH Extension.
October 29, 2021
President Dean sends a strong message supporting survivors of sexual violence, and urges all survivors to report their experiences and to seek out support and justice. He also outlined new initiatives and opportunities for students, faculty and staff to help end sexual violence and harassment, and shares resources available to help everyone in the UNH community feel safe.
October 25, 2021
President Dean devotes his monthly message to UNH's policies and practices regarding sexual assault, addressing a recent report of sexual assault on the Durham campus and the ongoing investigation. He also shares resources for students who may feel unsafe or who need support, and encourages those who have experienced sexual violence, or who have information regarding sexual violence, to report it.
October 25, 2021
President Dean shares the news that UNH has renewed its platinum rating for STARS, the most rigorous system in higher education for measuring sustainability. UNH is in the top five out of nearly 700 schools for sustainability practices across all aspects of the university—curriculum, operations, research and engagement.
October 22, 2021
President Dean shares new rules on vaccinations for employees and all student employees on the Durham campus, introduced in order to comply with a new federal rule concerning government contractors.
October 19, 2021
President Dean updates the UNH community with good news regarding salaries, health benefits and retirement savings, as well as a new paid holiday.
October 18, 2021
President Dean follows up on an Oct. 12 town hall meeting with a message of support for faculty and staff, along with resources that can help with personal and professional challenges that people may be experiencing. He also shares a link to UNH's new SharePoint intranet site which offes useful information about recent organizational changes.
October 15, 2021
UNH is reivewing new federal directives that will require all federal employees and contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The university is deemed a federal contractor and subject to the the workplace safety protocols and directives, which include a vaccination requirement for “covered contractor employees.” A UNH implementation team is convening to ensure that the university complies with the new directives in a manner that is least burdensome to our employees.
October 1, 2021
The university community is invited to a town hall forum on Oct. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. to discuss the timeline and details of the ongoing process of improving the future financial strength of the university.
September 29, 2021
Following a successful and sunny University Day, President Dean writes to thank everyone on the Durham, Manchester and Concord campuses for working together to keep COVID-19 cases below 1 percent early in the semester. He also provides an update on Finance and Administrative Restructuring efforts. And he announces new rankings that recognize UNH as a national leader among "Best Value Schools," as well as for its work to protect free speech and inquiry and its commitment to sustainabilty.
August 31, 2021
President Dean welcomes the campus community to the start of the fall semester and outlines important steps that everyone can take to protect their health and the health of others.
August 6, 2021
New masking requirements at UNH follow guidelines from the CDC, which recommends that everyone, vaccinated or unvaccinated, wear masks indoors in certain situations on the Durham, Manchester and Concord campuses.
July 29, 2021
President Dean announces COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester, and urges the campus community to get fully vaccinated and to register through UNH's confidential web portal.
July 19, 2021
President Dean announces guidelines for UNH employees as the start of the fall semester approaches.
June 30, 2021
President Dean shares examples of good news to celebrate, including Elle Purrier St. Pierre ‘18 heading to the Olympics in Japan, three UNH forestry researchers receiving grants and this year's Faculty Excellence Award winners. He also mentions the recent orientation activities for new students and offers an update on the 2021-2022 budget and COVID-19 on campus.
June 15, 2021
Recognizing the hard work of the UNH community to promote public health this past academic year, President Dean announces a one-time paid holiday to encourage people to recharge and enjoy the summer .
June 14, 2021
President Dean and Chief Diversity Officer Nadine Petty encourage the unversity community to learn about Juneteenth on Friday, when campuses will be closed in observation of the holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery.
June 11, 2021
While significant and consistent decreases in cases of COVID-19 across the UNH community mean some testing and masking requirements can be partially eased, President Dean encourages more people to get vaccinated and to confirm their vaccination status confidentially through UNH Health & Wellness's secure portal.
June 3, 2021
President Dean shares his gratitute to the UNH community for making it possible to hold eight in-person commencement ceremonies. He also offers an update on the budget, and announces the appointment of a new chief financial officer and the approval of a new leadership position of chief marketing officer.
June 2, 2021
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The University System of New Hampshire provides an update on the ongoing roll out of the Financial and Administrative Restructure initiative. Implementation of the new system-wide Financial Operations Center began in May with two phases, including travel and expense administration and general accounting. This update provides additional information about these phases, and the next phase in August. |
May 24, 2021
President Dean announces that the Durham campus is transitioning to the "green" mode of operations because cases of COVID-19 are on the decline on campus, in New Hampshire and nationwide. Restrictions are being eased significantly, leaving only mild precautions in place. He also offers praise and thanks to the UNH community for supporting safe, in-person commencement ceremonies.
May 10, 2021
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Dear Colleague -- Please take the time to read this comprehensive update on the FAR initiative and the FAQs at the end of the document. Implementation of the new system wide Financial Operations Center will begin Tuesday, May 11, to include travel and expense administration. We understand there will be additional questions, and those questions should be directed to foc.expense@usnh.edu. |
James W. Dean Jr.
President
April 28, 2021
In his monthly update, President Dean encourages members of the UNH community to get vaccinated against COVID-19, shares inspiring stories and videos of student success and faculty research and notes that our law school was recently ranked fourth in the nation for intellectual property. He also shares the latest additions to his book reading list.
April 21, 2021
President Dean calls on students, faculty and staff to support one another following the verdict against a former police officer in the murder of George Floyd. Underscoring UNH's values of inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect, he shares opportunities discussion and resources.
April 20, 2021
President Dean and Athletics Director Marty Scarano share the results of an extensive review of the financial health of UNH athletics. The goal of the review was to find a way for athletics to be at breakeven financially by the end of FY23. This work is part of the "Build Financial Strength" strategic priority for the university.
April 19, 2021
President Dean and Provost Jones encourage members of the university community to celebrate Earth Day and share their ideas for bringing UNH academic sustainability programs to a new level. They also promote the new WildCAP (Climate Action Plan) and the first annual UNH Sustainability Awards celebration .
March 29, 2021
President Dean shares a monthly update to the UNH community, highlighting the upcoming Undergraduate Research Conference and the Graduate Research Conference , a Women's History Month event on March 31 and the the 21-day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge, which begins April 5. He also offers an update on Commencement ceremonies, COVID-19 and budget planning for FY2022, which begins on July 1.
March 25, 2021
In a new video message, President Dean announces an updated plan to hold Commencement for the Class of 2020 on Sunday, May 23. Students must register to particpate, and can sign up here.
March 18, 2021
Campuses will open in the fall semester with face-to-face classes in a residential learning environment and in-person campus activities, internships, field work and clinicals. President Dean and Provost Wayne Jones outline new programs and options that will enhance learning, student engagement, safety and health for everyone in the university community.
March 17, 2021
President Dean and Nadine Petty, UNH chief diversity officer, share a message mourning shootings victimes at three Atlanta-area spas and condemning violence and discrimination against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community.
March 12, 2021
President Dean and Durham Town Administrator Todd Selig will commemorate the one-year anniversary of COVID on our campuses with a brief virtual ceremony at noon on March 15, recognizing the UNH community's support and hard work in responding to the unprecedented challenges experienced by our students, faculty, staff, families and neighbors.
Feb. 23, 2021
A new reporting tool will make it easier to report all incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, bias, hate, retaliation, bullying and sexual harassment and/or violence that involves any member of the university community.
Feb. 21, 2021
Dear Durham Faculty, Staff and Students— Since our update Thursday afternoon, we continue to see a decline in the number of positive COVID cases. Thank you for your commitment to our public health guidelines and continued effort to slow the spread. With this decline and the fact that we continue to see no transmission in teaching spaces, we will resume in-person classes Wednesday, Feb. 24 (classes that meet once a week may begin Monday or Tuesday; please check Canvas/MyCourses and email). All other orange operations restrictions will stay in place until further notice.
Feb. 18, 2021
Recent COVID testing results on the Durham campus, which spiked recently, are declining. President Deans writes that if results continue to trend in the right direction, UNH may be able to announce a return to in-person classes as early as Sunday, Feb. 21. Success depends on everyone continuing to be tested on schedule, keeping their WildCat pass valid and following all public health and safety protocols on our campuses in our local communities.
Feb. 12, 2021
President Dean addresses a plan by Gov. Sununu to merge the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire, which has been endorsed by the USNH Board of Trustees.
Feb. 11, 2021
Due to a dramatic and sustained rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases within the Durham community, at 6 p.m. today, Feb. 11, the Durham campus (Manchester and Law remain in yellow) will transition to our orange mode of operations, which includes additional restrictions.
Read the president's message and watch the video
Feb. 10, 2021
President Dean and Nadine Petty, associate vice president for Community, Equity and Diversity, share the outcome of a misconduct investigation.
Feb. 9, 2021
At the 2021 State of the University addreess on Feb. 9, President Dean and university leaders outlined progress on the UNH strategic plan, the Future of UNH, and shared an overview of work on major initiatives that will take place in 2021.
Read the full remarks Watch the Zoom video
UNH faculty and staff messages on retirment, CERPS
Jan. 26, 2021
The university community joined an online discussion about leadership with President Jim Dean, Deborah Merrill-Sands, dean of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, and Jason Sokol, UNH professor of history, who discussed Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Leadership: In Turbulent Times."
Jan. 25, 2021
President Dean invites the university community to the virtual State of the University address on Feb. 9, shares UNH's support for CEO ACT!ON for Diversity & Inclusion and announces the closure of the UNH Confucius Institute. He also invites the community to join an online discussion of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Leadership in Turbulent Times tomorrow, Jan. 26, at 7pm, and shares the books he is reading ahead of Black History Month in February.
Jan. 11, 2021
All students will be required to sign the Wildcat Pledge to follow COVID safety precautions if they want to be on campus, and staff and faculty members are encouraged to sign as well, according to an update on the spring semester from President Dean and Provost Jones. The update also introduces new in-person student activities for spring, and invites everyone to join a virtual town hall on Jan. 19 about the semester.
Jan. 8, 2021
President Dean shares important updates for the spring semester, which call for in-person classes to start Feb. 1 in Durham and Manchester and Jan. 20 at the law school. Community members are urged to continue watching their UNH emails closely for updates, including important steps for those who plan to return to campus.
Jan. 7, 2021
"We all watched in horror yesterday as extremists launched an historic assault on our democracy and the U.S. Capitol," President Dean wrote in a message to the UNH community today. "It was painful to watch and I know it is difficult to process these events. I categorically condemn the violence and the attempt to interrupt the peaceful transfer of power. "
Read the president's full statement
Dec. 18, 2020
President Dean announces the State of the University address on Feb. 9 on Zoom, when he will report on the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses and offer an update on The Future of UNH and its four strategic priorities. He also announces a decision on the name of the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. In addition to offering a book recommendation, the president is inviting the university community to read Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Leadership: In Turbulent Times, and join him for an online discussion along with Paul College Dean Deborah Merrill-Sands and UNH History Professor Jason Sokol.
Dec. 10, 2020
University leaders congratulate faculty, staff and students for following testing and public health guidelines to keep campuses open through Thanksgiving, and they urge continued vigilance. As the spring semester approaches, they encourage everyone to stay up to date on campus modes of operation along with travel guidelines from the NH Department and Health and Human Services.
Nov. 23, 2020
We did it! When we started the fall semester, we had a goal of conducting in-person instruction through November 20. President Dean marks the transition to remote instruction for the balance of the fall semester with a message of appreciation to the UNH community, an update on the strategic plan, great news about the university's sustainability ranking and a reminder of the Social Venture Innovation Challenge, which features his Dec. 1 online conversation with Anne Finucane ’74, vice chairman of Bank of America and UNH's 2020 Social Innovator of the Year.
Nov. 11, 2020
President Dean and Director of Athletics Marty Scarano announce that student athletes will be allowed to return to play with continued strict adherence to all CDC, state and university COVID-19 guidelines. This means seasons and travel will be limited and there will be no spectators at any home games.
Nov. 6, 2020
President Dean and Senior Vice Provost for Student Life Ken Holmes share an important video message about rising cases of COVID-19 and the critical importance of being vigilant about following public health guidelines to keep everyone healthy and safe, and our campuses open.
Oct. 29, 2020
President Dean congratualtes the UNH community for successfully keeping COVID-19 cases low and its continued vigilance in following public health guidelines. He also shares updates on Spaulding Hall, the record breaking year for competitive research funding, Election Day, monthly office hours on Zoom and a new TikTok video. Finally, two interesting books about women appear on his monthly reading list.
Oct. 13, 2020
The president and UNH leaders shared updates and took questions from the university community on a wide range of issues, including COVID-19, new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, commencement planning for the classes of 2020 and 2021, planning for the spring semester and the UNH budget situtation. Video links below.
Oct. 8, 2020
The university community is encouraged to join one of two virtual town meetings when President Dean and other UNH leaders will discuss the spring semester, commencement for the class of 2020, fall and winter sports, our budget, and our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Oct. 5, 2020
President Dean and Associate Vice President for Community, Equity and Diversity Nadine Petty share a message with the university community about allegations on social media involving a faculty member.
Oct. 2, 2020
President Dean and Provost Jones outline the university's policies around academic freedom and freedom of speech, and encourage community members to take an active role in supporting candidates and policies of their choice. They also promote three students voter registration days, when students can register to vote, request an absentee ballot and complete and return that ballot at the same time.
Sept. 30, 2020
President Dean urges the university community to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and shares an update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and upcomign events.
Sept. 23, 2020
President Dean leads an online town hall forum to discuss new initiatives outlined by the President's Leadership Council to address diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sept. 18, 2020
At the request of President Dean and fellow University System of New Hampshire presidents, the USNH Board of Trustees have unanimously agreed to add Juneteenth as a recognized holiday in the university’s schedule.
Sept. 10, 2020
President Dean and Associate Vice President for Community, Equity, and Diversity Nadine Petty share new university-wide initiatives and invite staff, faculty and students to a series of online town meetings.
Sept. 6, 2020
In a letter to the UNH community, President Dean condemns a party of more than 100 people at the Theta Chi fraternity, including 11 positive cases traced to the party.
Aug. 31, 2020
President Dean welcomes our campus communities to the fall semester, stressing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, updating plans to address racism and promoting the virtual University Day on Sept. 2.
Aug. 27, 2020
President Dean shares a message from Senior Vice Provost for Student Life Kenneth Holmes with details about how violations of health and safety protocols can be reported and will be handled.
Aug. 17, 2020
President Dean announces new mode of operation and discusses the campus opening condition.
Aug. 5, 2020
President Dean shares a message of support from the USNH Board of Trustees to reopen campuses this fall.
July 17, 2020
UNH is postponing the fall sports season in conjunction with our league partners, the America East Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association.
July 8, 2020
President Dean emphasizes UNH's strong and continued support for its international students following new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies that he called "incredibly unfair and harmful."
June 23, 2020
President Dean and Provost Jones hosted town hall webinars for students and parents, addressing plans for returning to in-person classes for the fall semester.
Watch the webinar for students
June 17, 2020
President Dean and Provost Jones hosted town hall video forums for staff and faculty on June 16, addressing three big challenges the university is addressing: racism, COVID-19 and financial issues.
Watch the forum for staff (speakers begin at 10:45 into the video)
June 17, 2020
UNH has hired Nadine Petty, executive director of the Center for Diversity and Enrichment at the University of Iowa, as its next chief diversity officer and associate vice president for community, equity and diversity. Petty will start at UNH on August 10.
June 15, 2020
President Dean outlines steps to ensure the continued financial strength of the university, including an additional incentive to early retirement benefits.
June 10, 2020
In a letter to the UNH community, President Dean outlines steps the university will take to address racism and intolerance, increase education about racism and create opportunities for everyone to become antiracist.
May 27, 2020
The president congratulates the Class of 2020, shares his gratitude to the UNH community and outlines the planning process for reopening our campuses for the fall semester. He also provides a round-up of some great recent news for the community.
May 13, 2020
Jay Calhoun, a leader in higher education finance and adminstration, has been named interim CFO at UNH. He most recently served as CFO and treasurer at Brown University, where he was responsible for financial planning and analysis, accounts payable and procurement.
May 8, 2020
President Dean announces plans for opening UNH campuses to in-person instruction for the fall semester, with important measures that will be taken to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the community.
May 1, 2020
President Dean and Provost Jones promote virtual events that feature innovative student research projects: the Undergraduate Research Confernece, Graduate Research Conference and Holloway Prize Competition.
April 27, 2020
President Dean thanks the UNH community for its graceful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares updates on non-COVID news, including the awarding of a Truman Scholarship and the signing of a call to action to accelerate climate solutions in higher education in honor of Earth Day. He also reviews two books he read recently.
April 22, 2020
President Dean shares important information about resources and policy changes that are designed to support employees and the university's financial health through the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 21, 2020
President Dean and Provost Jones talk about how the university is managing COVID-19 and the work that is happening behind the scenes to plan for the future.
April 1, 2020
University leaders discuss the budget implications of COVID-19 and share important measures that are being taken to help UNH through the global pandemic.
March 30, 2020
The president expresses his gratitude to the Wildcat community for its continued hard work, support and understanding during the COVID-19 crisis, and shares an update on the impact that global pandemic is having on Commencement acitivities and the university's operating budget.
March 25, 2020
UNH announces vital contributions to support NH's response to COVID-19. Working closely with Gov. Chris Sununu and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, UNH is preparing facilities at the Durham campus, sharing resources for drive-through testing and is donating a large collection of gloves, surgical masks, protective gowns, respirators and other resources.
March 23, 2020
President Dean offers an update on UNH's COVID-19 response, including ongoing moves out of on-campus housing, the closure of campus buildings, resources for students, faculty and staff for online learning and remote work and expanded student support services.
March 18, 2020
President Dean announces that UNH will suspend all in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester, extending our previously announced two-week transition to non-face-to-face, remote learning.
March 15, 2020
President Dean updates the university community with important new information regarding the COVID-19 virus.
March 12, 2020
An update to the university community details important new guidelines in response to the COVID-19 virus.
March 12, 2020
The president shares an update on UNH's respose to the COVID-19 virus, including a link to a comprehensive UNH webpage with the latest news, information and resources related to the virus.
February 27, 2020
President Dean's monthly update reviews recent town meetings on the Huron report, gatherings with alumni and state lawmakers, updates on the searches for several leadership positions and some of his favorite books related to Black History Month.
February 4, 2020
President Dean and university leaders shared a one-year progress report on the university's strategic plan, The Future of UNH, at the 2020 State of the University address at the Hamel Rec Center.
January 27, 2020
President Dean provides an update on the university-wide Huron financial review, the search for a chief diversity officer and the upcoming State of the University address on Feb. 4. He also shares the most recent books he's read, and recommendations for children's books sent to him from people across the UNH community.
January 23, 2020
A newly-appointed search committee for the Chief Diversity Officer position includes members from across the UNH community.
January 14, 2020
The president announced the final report from Huron Consulting, the group hired last fall to conduct a comprehensive review of UNH-wide finances, which support one of the university's top strategic priorities: building financial strength.
Dec. 18, 2019
President Dean details his visits to New Hampshire high schools and one of the state's largest businesses, offers an update on the Huron financial assessment and shares a selection of children's books that he and Jan have recently read to their grandchildren.
Dec. 10, 2019
As New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary approaches, President James W. Dean Jr. and Provost Wayne Jones share guidance regarding political activity and public advocacy on campus.
Nov. 25, 2019
President Dean shares details on continued work across UNH related to improving campus climate, and he shares his apprecation for Professor Monica Chiu, who has served as interim vice president (AVP) for community, equity and diversity. Chiu is stepping down to return to teaching and scholarship in the English department. The president also writes updates on recent visits with alumni across the country, and with New Hampshire high school students. Finally, he announces the State of the University address on Feb. 4, and offers insights on the most recent book he's read, Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children.
Nov. 20, 2019
Although higher education institutions across the country, including UNH, continue to face increasing financial constraints, UNH leadership has announced a salary increase for all eligible, non-union employees, effective March 1, 2020.
Nov. 1, 2019
Over the past six weeks, the Huron Consulting Group has met individually with more than 100 members of the UNH community, interacted with various committees, analyzed over 200 data sets and reviewed hundreds of policy and organizational documents. Last week, the Steering Committee met to evaluate the initial opportunities identified by Huron and recommended nine areas for in-depth assessments.
Oct. 29, 2019
In his monthly update to the campus community, President Dean reports on his visit with high school students at Fall Mountain Regional High School, encourages UNH students and friends to cheer on the Wildcats' football team against Villanova at home on Saturday, promotes a performance of The Odyssey by UNH Threatre and Dance and offers an update on the Huron study of UNH revenues and expenses. Book lovers will enjoy the president's review of a book he recently finished, Quichotte, by Salman Rushdie.
Oct. 23, 2019
President Dean and Provost Jones provide important UNH resources that protect academic freedom and freedom of speech.
Sept. 30, 2019
A new state budget provides a $12 million increase to USNH over the next two years, following five years of flat funding. The increase will allow UNH to freeze in-state tuition for next year, and to continue important outreach programs across New Hampshire. In his 13th update to campus, President Dean also offers updates on state support for Spaulding Hall renovations, the results of the Campus Climate Study, the reorganization of the UNH leadership team, the Huron financial report and Homecoming. In addition to sharing a recent book he's read, he also shares news about a just-published book that he wrote with Deborah Y. Clarke, The Insider's Guid to Working with Universities.
Sept. 5, 2019
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
I hope your semester is off to a great start and that you enjoyed some time off over the holiday weekend. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the MUB Strafford Room, the results of the campus climate survey will be shared and discussed. Please take some time to review the executive summary and then join us at the forum, either in person or via live stream , to learn about the findings in more detail and provide feedback on the next steps we will identify.
We all play a role in ensuring our community is open, fair and equally accessible for all students, staff and faculty. Thank you for everything you already do and will do to help ensure our campus climate is welcoming and inclusive.
Sincerely,
James W. Dean Jr.
President
Sept. 3, 2019
To help UNH be a national leader in financial strength, one of the university's four strategic priorities, President Dean and Provost Jones announce a new partnership with the Huron Consulting Group to conduct an in-depth financial analysis across all academic and administrative areas. Huron's work will begin Sept. 9, with a final report expected by mid-December.
Aug. 29, 2019
As the fall semester begins, President Dean encourages students to get involved in university activties, clubs and organizations, and to learn about them at University Day on Sept. 10. He also invites the community to hear about the results of the Campus Climate Survey on Sept. 11, in the Strafford Room of the MUB. Finally, he shares his thoughts about the lastest book on his summer reading list.
Aug. 9, 2019
President Dean announces the appointment of Bill Poirier as the new chief information officer for both UNH and USNH. Highly regarded for his IT leadership for the state of Minnesota, he was the unanimous choice of the search committee, comprised of representatives from all four USNH institutions and the USNH Administrative Board.
Aug. 6, 2019
President Dean and Provost Jones offer condolences and share links with resources for those needing support following mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
July 30, 2019
This month, I’m trying something new for my update to the community: a podcast interview with The UNH Podcats, looking back on my first year at UNH and ahead to the new academic year. Of course, I also review the books on my summer reading list.
July 9, 2019
President Dean encourages the UNH community to set aside time on Sept. 11 for a forum to discuss the results of a campus climate survey.
June 28, 2019
President Dean announces that UNH's budget for FY20 has been approved by the USNH board of trustees. He also outlines UNH's progress on its "Enhance New Hampshire" strategic priority, including an upcoming survey of the campus community on work in this area. Finally, he shares the latest books from his summer reading list and gives a preview of his upcoming trip to China.
June 6, 2019
Top business leaders from across the state are joining a new UNH partnership led by President Dean, which will advance economic development and increase the state's skilled workforce.
May 30, 2019
President Dean offers his reflections on commencement, along with news about The 603 Challenge, a proposed increase in state support in the Legislature and emerging challenges in student recruitment. He also shares insights about a recent book he read and the next one on his summer reading list.
May 18, 2019
President Dean shares his commement remarks.
April 29, 2019
President Dean offers his support and shares UNH resources for those struggling with pain and fear in the wake of recent acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka and San Diego, along with his admiration for the closeness of the UNH community. He also reports on progress on the university's four strategic priorities, highlighting new initiatives in the areas of Student Success and Well-Being and Embrace New Hampshire.
March 28, 2019
President Dean shares the metrics that will help UNH measure progress toward its overarching strategic goal: to be among the top 25 public universities in the nation in the most important dimensions of academic performance. He also urges the campus community to take the Campus Climate Survey, and join him and Provost Jones in signing up for the UNH 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. The challenge sends participants daily emails with brief messages, videos and prompts that help make social justice part of a daily habit. A kick-off event to promote and celebrate the challenge will be April 1 at 12 p.m. in the Strafford Room of the MUB.
March 22, 2019
Following recent racial incidents in New Zealand and here at home, President Dean and Monica Chiu,
Interim Associate Vice President, Community, Equity and Diversity, share a message to reaffirm the university's core values and to offer support to the university community.
Feb. 28, 2019
President Dean outlines the approach UNH is taking to reach its goal of becoming one of the nation's top 25 public universities in the most important measures of student success. He also reports on recent visits with alumni and shares the latest book he has read.
Feb. 26, 2019
The confindential Campus Climate Survey is now open, and will help our community build a better, stronger UNH.
Feb. 7, 2019
President Dean encourages everyone in the UNH community to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by taking part in the "Now is the Time" series, and joining these conversations to help build a better UNH.
Jan. 28, 2019
President Dean shares an update about the university's new strategic plan, and a note about a great book from the history department.
Jan. 24, 2019
President Dean addresses the UNH community to announce an overarching goal and four priorities that will inspire UNH's achievements in the coming years. Visit the Future of UNH website for details and a video of his remarks: www.unh.edu/future.
Dec. 17, 2018
President Dean shares a holiday video celebrating 2018, and invites the UNH community to hear him present a plan for the university's future strategic priorities on Jan. 24.
Nov. 21, 2018
President Dean shares a monthly update with the campus community, offering insights on his leadership values and promoting participation in an upcoming UNH Survey Center survey that will be used to shape the university's strategic priorities.
Oct. 30, 2018
President Dean, Interim Provost Wayne Jones , and R. Scott Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, and David Bachrach, Co-chair of the Faculty Senate, share a message to the university community following the horrific shootings in Pittsburgh and Louisville.
Oct. 24, 2018
President Dean shares an update about his recent outreach initiatives with the UNH community.
Oct. 12, 2018
President James W. Dean Jr. , the 20th president of the University of New Hampshire, shares his installation ceremony remarks.
Sept. 17, 2018
It’s been a little over two months since Jan and I arrived at UNH. We feel very welcome and are beginning to feel at home; the campus community has been incredibly gracious in reaching out to us. Thanks to your wonderful suggestions, I’ve eaten lots of great food (maybe too much!) and cycled through some beautiful towns and countryside. I’ve begun to discover and appreciate the beauty of the state, from Lake Winnipesaukee to the Isles of Shoals, and look forward to seeing other parts of New Hampshire in the coming months.
Aug 29, 2018
July 9, 2018
I hope you’re enjoying a great summer. I’m thrilled to be here in the beautiful Granite State, settling in to Durham and joining you as a proud UNH Wildcat. It’s a tremendous honor to be UNH’s twentieth president, and I look forward to meeting many of you soon. Since my announcement in April, my youngest daughter was married, my wife and I did a lot of packing and I worked on finishing a book I’m writing about higher education for business leaders. I’ve also been trying to learn how to pronounce “Berlin,” “Plaistow” and “Contoocook,” and other New Hampshire places.
April 4, 2018
After a national search that concluded with a unanimous vote of the University System board of trustees, James W. (“Jim”) Dean Jr. has been appointed the 20th president of the University of New Hampshire effective June 30, 2018.