Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
As we officially begin a new academic year today, I want to warmly welcome our outstanding faculty, our dedicated staff, and our ambitious students—both those who are returning to Monmouth and those who are joining our community for the first time.
We have been busy this summer making progress on several exciting projects that will enhance the Monmouth experience for all. The installation of Nagy Common, a beautiful outdoor space for connection, is nearing completion. In addition, significant improvements to the interior of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center are well underway, ensuring that this hub of student life continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place.
We have completed the buildout of the new Monmouth University Police Department facility, including the Parking and ID Services Office, which is now located on the main campus next to the Northwest Parking Lot. This provides much improved space for our police department in its round-the-clock efforts to protect the campus.
I am also thrilled to announce that we will soon break ground on the new Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. This state-of-the-art facility, which will be funded completely through outside donations, will celebrate the legacy of some of America’s most iconic artists, enriching our academic offerings, and further elevating Monmouth’s national—indeed international—profile.
Our incoming first-year class continues our commitment to integrating excellence and access as outlined in our current strategic plan. This class boasts the greatest diversity ever, the second highest average GPA in our school’s history at 3.62, the third highest percentage of out-of-state students, and the highest SAT scores among those who submitted test scores as part of their application. And, fully one half of our incoming students are FLI students—that is, either first-generation or low-income. These impressive achievements reflect the talent and dedication of our incoming students and the growing reputation of Monmouth University as a destination for a rigorous and supportive education.
In this new academic year, I also want to emphasize the importance of fostering a community where diverse perspectives and respectful dialogue are valued. Our strength lies in our ability to listen to and learn from one another. As such, I encourage each of you to approach every interaction with an open mind and a commitment to understanding.
I am confident that this will be another successful year, filled with great achievements for our students, faculty, and staff. Welcome back!
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President