This Friday, May 10, we will celebrate the Class of 2024 with the University of Arizona’s 160th Commencement. I look forward to this night every year, as we come together to send our graduates on to the next steps in their lives and careers.

We have been through a lot as a community over the past four years, and I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to this graduating class, as well as all of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your resilience and your commitment to our shared values, to your aspirations and to each other.

This week, the University of Arizona is facing a difficult and challenging time that demands we stand up for our values and protect our community. The University celebrates and encourages free expression and diverse views, including by those who protest peacefully. But we will not tolerate violations of the law, Arizona Board of Regents policy or University of Arizona policies.

After a thorough national search that included very strong candidates, I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Joseph Glover as the University of Arizona’s next Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. Dr. Glover’s experience and priorities as a leader reflect our University values, and his track record of academic excellence, faculty support, and collaborative leadership will benefit our students, faculty, staff and community. He will begin his service on July 1.