Letter From Advancement and External Engagement

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself, as I officially joined the Whitman School this past February in my role as assistant dean for advancement and external engagement. Most recently, I worked with Syracuse Athletics as the senior associate athletic director and executive director for athletic development. I am both honored and excited to join our Whitman team, and I look forward to connecting with many of you as we partner together on the meaningful work ahead.

For more than 100 years, the Whitman School has been committed to supporting the student journey and ensuring an academic environment that prioritizes exploration, opportunity and connection. This drive for national and global excellence in innovation and teaching is what inspired me to join this team and help advance our holistic mission to new heights.

While I look forward to approaching our advancement and external engagement strategy with fresh eyes, I am also grateful to those who have come before me for setting the strong groundwork that will power our success moving forward. For decades the Whitman School has been supported by tremendous generosity from our alumni and friends, and we would not be in the position we are today without their leadership.

Today, we are at a pivotal point in the School’s History. Under the leadership of Mike Haynie, Whitman School executive dean, and Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, I am confident that we can collaboratively support the ambitious vision outlined for the future. Our goal will be to strengthen and rebuild our connections with Whitman’s greatest strength: you. Our alumni, donors and friends across the country and all over the world have continued to distinguish us among our peers and are the foundation upon which we enter our next chapter as a School.

 As a community of connectors, there is no limit as to what we can accomplish when we come together behind a shared vision. With your help, our team is prepared to support our students, faculty and staff in new and innovative ways that will impact our entire University. To that extent, we look forward to the next era of building relationships with the entire Orange family and to elevate the Whitman School as a premier leader in business education, innovation and research.

I look forward to meeting and talking with you soon.

Michael Paulus Assistant Dean, Advancement and External Engagement