Message from CGS President Chevelle Newsome

Dear Colleagues,

I am honored and truly excited to step into the role of President of this extraordinary organization. It is a privilege to lead a community so deeply committed to advancing graduate education, and for the opportunity to support the students and institutions that are shaping the future.

Throughout the remainder of 2025, we will be laying the foundation for a bold new strategic plan to be launched in 2026. This plan will reflect our shared commitment to excellence, access, and innovation. As we move forward, we will focus on four key priorities that will guide our work as we develop a plan for reimagining  the graduate education landscape.

Excellence First
Our path forward is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: Every Voice. Every Path. Every Graduate matters. The experiences, perspectives, and goals within our graduate community are our greatest asset. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the support and opportunity they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their fields, communities, and the broader world. We believe the U.S. is a great nation and that we, along with our international members and partners, should be leaders on a global scale. We also believe every American is essential to our collective success.

Graduate Education at the National Table
Advocacy is central to our mission. Under the banner of Policy Powered by Purpose, we will champion evidence-based policies that reflect the real needs of our members and students. Our advocacy will be strategic, persistent, and grounded in purpose—aimed at creating lasting, meaningful change for graduate education that serves everyone at institutional, regional, national, and international levels for all our members and their students.

Student-Centered Excellence
I know that all CGS members put students at the heart of everything they do, and we are proud to stand with them. Every program, partnership, and policy we support will be measured by its impact on students. Our goal is to enhance the graduate experience, expand opportunities, and equip students to succeed in a world that is constantly evolving. As an organization with member institutions across the U.S. and abroad, we value our global partnerships, and we recognize that our members operate within diverse educational systems, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts. Our programs and initiatives will be designed to provide value across these varied landscapes while respecting local priorities and requirements.

I look forward to engaging with you, learning from you, and leading alongside you as we continue to elevate graduate education. Together, we can create partnerships with industry to develop new opportunities for graduate students. We will become career-ready in a rapidly evolving career landscape. We will continue to conduct cutting-edge research and provide best practices that support your efforts on campus. We will also be here to celebrate your success and highlight the important work your university is doing.

Thank you for your trust and your unwavering dedication to our shared mission.

With gratitude and excitement,

Chevelle Newsome

President

Council of Graduate Schools