Statement from FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg about Donna Shalala

On Monday, Sept. 8, University of Miami President Donna Shalala announced she will be retiring in 2015. President Mark B. Rosenberg sent the following letter to the university community. 

Dear FIU community:

When President Donna Shalala arrived in Miami, she brought her A game and inspired us to rise to the same level. As she became part of our community, she helped elevate it with her world-class leadership style. She has also made a lasting mark in higher education and, for that, she has my eternal admiration and gratitude. Over the past few years FIU and UM have collaborated on a number of academic and community projects, which have allowed me first-hand experience with Dr. Shalala’s sharp intellect, unwavering integrity and absolute commitment to the University of Miami,  South Florida and higher education.

Since she arrived, UM and FIU have grown closer together in the pursuit of excellence in higher education. We serve on the One Community One Goal  Academic Leaders Council, which is focused on improving higher education opportunities in our region and fostering economic development and job creation. We also work together on the Life Sciences South Florida Consortium and the Talent Development Network  to help build an internship culture in South Florida, among other projects. Faculty members from our universities collaborate on an array of issues, including the study of Latin America, health and the environment, all areas where each of our institutions has significant strengths and serves as a solution center for our community.

Today President Shalala announced that she will be retiring.  I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to continuing to work with her during this academic year.

For more on her announcement visit http://www6.miami.edu/communications/dialogue/2013-2014/dialogue_9_08_14.html.