The New Haven Register published a letter from the Board of the Trustees, in which they pledge their full support to President Olian.

The letter reads:

“We’ve read reports about recent decisions at Quinnipiac University, some by the new president, Dr. Judy Olian. Let us be clear — she has our full support.

President Olian was tasked by the Quinnipiac Board of Trustees to lead an intensive and inclusive strategic planning process that assesses all university programs, activities and priorities that will shape the university’s future. That’s exactly what she’s doing, focusing on our students’ learning and development, positioning them to be enlightened citizens prepared for careers of the 21st century.

While Quinnipiac has been on a very successful trajectory over the last decades, we need to do more to ensure that we continue to attract and nurture student, faculty and staff excellence. The reality is that not everything of the past fits the aspirations of the future. Some realignment of past programs, though difficult, is essential in order to center the future on our students’ learning and growth, and on faculty scholarship. WQUN and the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum are part of that realignment for the future, and the Board is supportive of strategies developed for both. We’re closing the AM station in favor of more current student and faculty media interests. And despite what you may have read, it is not the intent of the Board or President Olian to close the Museum. We are working hard to position the Museum for financial independence and broader community impact, with the hope that others will join in a constructive solution.

The purchase of the Spruce Bank property was authorized and approved by the Board under President John Lahey’s direction, after years of negotiation attempting to acquire the property dating back to 1990. The property is a critical strategic acquisition for the University since it borders the southern perimeter of the Mount Carmel Campus. The property has four structures on it which — over time — will serve multiple purposes for the university including events that benefit students, faculty and staff, in addition to the land use. Future buildings for learning, research and student programs may be built on the property because of its adjacency to the rest of the campus.

One of the structures will serve as the residence of Quinnipiac University presidents, for years to come. Similar to the case for many other universities, the Trustees are unanimous in supporting an on-campus residence for QU’s university president – President Olian today and later all future presidents – to facilitate the university’s goals of fundraising and relationship building, and to host many important university events involving students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business and community leaders. This strategy will also realize a substantial long-term financial benefit for the University compared to what was done in the past, when housing and renovation costs were covered for the former president’s private residence.

President Olian is off to a strong and inclusive start at Quinnipiac and is focused on what matters most – our students’ learning and developmental experiences. We’re excited about building the University of the Future, under her leadership.

THE QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY CHAIR AND VICE CHAIRS, ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

William C. Weldon ’71, Chairman

Carlton L. Highsmith, Vice Chairman

David R. Nelson ’81, Vice Chairman”