Dec. 7, 2023: Presidential Sabbatical

Dear Bucknellians,

The end of the year has always provided me a welcome opportunity to reflect on all that we've achieved together as a university. As our holiday break approaches, I'm so very grateful to be part of this exceptional community. There's a tremendous sense of satisfaction in reviewing our many accomplishments, and I'm constantly invigorated by the drive and momentum that fuels an institution as ambitious as Bucknell.

I also acknowledge that being "on" 24/7 as your president for nearly 14 years, while deeply rewarding, is also quite demanding. After a period of introspection and long talks with my family — and with the strong support of the Board of Trustees, who urged me to take my first sabbatical in 39 years — I have made the decision to take that leave from January 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024.

In brief, I need to prepare for the upcoming challenges of executing the public phase of our next comprehensive campaign, which will require a great deal of focus as we seek an historic level of new support for the University. I also will take this time to review the ongoing implementation of the strategic plan, the original timetable of which was unavoidably delayed due to COVID. Given the strength of my senior team and the conclusion of my chairmanship of the Geisinger Board of Directors, this is an especially opportune moment.

During my sabbatical, I will continue to participate in a few select University activities, including Commencement 2024, the Middle States accreditation visit and some constituent outreach. I will also remain engaged in the ongoing searches for the Provost and for the Dean of the Freeman College of Management.

In my absence, my direct reports will have responsibility and full authority to act independently, though I will be available in the event of extraordinary circumstances. Interim Provost Margot Vigeant and Vice President for University Strategy & Advancement Scott Rosevear will serve jointly as co-acting presidents; they will exercise executive decision-making authority over any and all strategic decisions normally made by me, assuring that such decisions are aligned with the mission of Bucknell as defined by the Board of Trustees, are consistent with University policy and are in accord with all other Trustee directives, including the budget adopted in April 2023 for the current fiscal year.

Vice President, Chief of Staff and General Counsel Karin Rilley and Executive Director of the Office of the President and University Secretary Carol Kennedy '96 will manage the regular cadence of inquiries that are forwarded to and handled routinely by the Office of the President, and they will also coordinate the collaborative work of the Operations & Management Group. In general I will not be attending meetings or events, or responding to email. Further details regarding my leave will be provided as needed.

I am grateful to the Board for granting me this opportunity, and to my trusted team for taking on additional duties during this time. I look forward to returning to campus energized to tackle new opportunities together late this summer.

My best,

John