Dear Members of the University Community,

Dr. Michael Sperling, Vice Provost for Global Learning, has accepted the position of Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y., and will begin there July 1.

Many of you know the tremendous contributions Michael has made to Fairleigh Dickinson. While I am sorry to report that he is leaving, at the same time, I am proud that he has earned such a prominent role at a strong institution.

Michael joined FDU as an assistant professor in the School of Psychology in 1987, gaining promotion to associate professor in 1992 and professor in 1997. From 1992 to 1995, he served as chair of the School of Psychology. In 1996, he became assistant provost for educational technology, launching a faculty laptop program, developing a distance-education strategy and initiating Web-based course delivery, which would soon reap great dividends for the University. From 1999 to 2001, he served as interim dean of University College: Arts • Sciences • Professional Studies, and helped revise the general education curriculum and develop a number of strong graduate and professional degree programs.

In 2001, not long after we unveiled our new mission to prepare world citizens through global education, Michael was placed at the helm of significant efforts in global learning. His leadership, dedication and talent propelled a number of initiatives into the national spotlight, and gained outstanding recognition for our University.

His key achievements included designing and coordinating the nation’s first online learning requirement and developing a first-rate digital infrastructure that has enabled the expansion of online offerings to many students and selected populations such as the National Guard. He also led the establishment of the Global Virtual Faculty, the United Nations Pathways Program and the Global Issues Gateway Web site. Recently, he also has been spearheading efforts to provide greater resources for the colleges to infuse and integrate global learning across the curriculum.

He further created faculty seminars in global education, facilitated critical dialogues concerning the implementation of our mission, and made possible the University’s membership in the American Council on Education’s Internationalization Collaborative. He currently is co-chairing the University’s Internationalization Strategic Planning Group, which he will guide to the conclusion of an important report and recommendations by the end June.

More than any one accomplishment, though, I most appreciate Michael’s integrity, devotion, commitment and counsel. He has been a valuable colleague and friend, and I will miss him greatly. His impact, though, will be long-lasting at Fairleigh Dickinson. The foundation he has helped put in place will continue to serve students well and will enable us to build new levels of distinction.

A special gathering will be planned to collectively express our thanks and warm wishes. We will announce that event shortly, as well as update the community about the transition process that will follow.

I know you will join me in saluting Michael for his tremendous service to Fairleigh Dickinson University and wishing him well in his new position.

Thank you,

Michael Adams