A Welcome from Incoming CGS President Chevelle Newsome
Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends of Graduate Education,
Today marks my first day as President of the Council of Graduate Schools. It is with great honor and unwavering commitment that I write to you. As I step into this role, I am energized by the extraordinary opportunity before us. Graduate education stands at a pivotal moment, one that requires us to embrace a bold vision for the future and to engage in collaborative action and an unwavering focus on the students and our communities who are the heart of the work that we do. Together we can reimagine graduate education in ways that define the next generation of scholars, researchers, practitioners, and leaders.
Our path forward is guided by a simple yet profound belief: Every voice. Every path. Every graduate matters. The array of experiences, perspectives, and journeys within our graduate community is not just our strength; it is our greatest asset for innovation and progress. We will ensure that all students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
This commitment to excellence drives our broader mission as we work to Engage. Expand. Evolve. We will engage more deeply with the challenges facing graduate education today, and as we evolve our approaches, the goal will be to keep pace with the changing landscape of higher education, research, and workforce development.
Central to our work will be advocating for policy aligned with our mission to serve our members and our students. Our theme for Policy Powered by Purpose means not just advocating for the sake of advocacy, but with clear intention and measurable impact. We support policy grounded in evidence, driven by the needs of our students and institutions, and designed to create lasting change. We will be strategic; we will be persistent, and we will be effective.
Most importantly, we recommit ourselves to supporting our members who put students at the heart of graduate education. Every decision we make, every program we develop, and every partnership we forge will be evaluated through this lens: How does this enhance our membership and their ability to work on behalf of their institutions? How does this serve students, enhance their experience, expand their opportunities, and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world?
From funding pressures and mental health concerns to evolving career pathways and technological disruption, the challenges we face are real. But I have never been more optimistic about our ability to address these challenges. The collective expertise, passion and dedication within our community is extraordinary and I am confident that together we will not only meet these challenges but transform them into opportunities for growth and innovation. I firmly believe it is our responsibility to strongly engage on the importance of graduate education to the future of this nation and the world.
We will listen to your needs, amplify your voices, and work tirelessly to advance the interests of graduate education at every level. Every dean and senior administrator at CGS institutions should know that we are honored to have you engaged in the association. As we begin our work together, I want to hear from you. I encourage you to stay engaged and let me know how CGS can best serve you and your institution.
I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am energized by the work ahead. This is our moment to lead, to innovate, and to ensure that graduate education continues to be a driving force for discovery, progress, and positive change in our world.
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in graduate education. Together, we will build a system that reflects our values, serves our students, and advances our collective mission.
With determination and optimism,
Chevelle Newsome
President, Council of Graduate Schools