The combination of intellectual rigor, a joy in discovery and new ideas, and a fierce commitment to free speech and vigorous debate—that special combination that anyone anywhere will recognize as UChicago. I start in this role with a deep reverence and a lot of excitement about the comprehensive breadth and excellence that I see all across the University of Chicago, but also with a real sense of ambition. I see a University of Chicago poised to do so much more. I can’t wait to work with faculty and campus leaders; undergraduates; graduate students, professional and doctoral; the many wonderful staff; our partners in the community; and of course, alumni and friends.