November 14, 2002
McCormick years draw to a close
This week the University of Washington says goodbye to President Richard L. McCormick, who is leaving to assume the presidency at Rutgers. It is impossible to summarize the accomplishments embodied in seven years of presidential leadership at the UW. But University Week did ask a number of UW leaders and observers to suggest activities that were emblematic of the “McCormick years.”
Here are some of the accomplishments they singled out:
• The University Initiatives Fund, a mechanism for reallocating resources to fund innovative programs, strategically strengthen the institution and seize opportunities that otherwise would be lost;
• A strong personal stand for diversity in the face of Initiative 200, and a committed effort to retain and enhance diversity in light of the initiative’s passage;
• A searching and inclusive Conversation About the Future project, which provided important context as the president, provost and deans developed a clearer sense and plans for the University of the Future;
• Enhanced respect and standing for the UW staff, with the creation of the Distinguished Staff Award and the President’s Staff Forum;
• Tireless involvement in the work of development, leading to an energetic response from donors;
• Support of choice for teaching assistants and faculty in labor representation;
• Key new facilities: creation of permanent campuses in Bothell and Tacoma, new buildings in Seattle including the William H. Gates School of Law, Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering, Ocean Sciences Building, Mary Gates Hall, a seismically retrofitted Suzzallo Library, Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, and the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility;
• A community relations program that encouraged involvement and openness with UW’s neighbors, the city and county;
• Transformation of teaching and learning by involving students more in the act of discovery and by enhanced use of technology that engages students actively in the process of critical thinking and communicating ideas;
• Increased partnerships and involvement in K-12 education.
A farewell reception for McCormick will be Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the HUB ballroom. A search committee to name his successor will be appointed shortly.
