Message from the President – March 21, 2025

To the University community, 

We are working closely with our State System to understand the current and potential implications of the executive order issued on March 20 regarding the U.S. Department of Education.    

My commitment, and the commitment of our University, remains steadfast to our mission and vision and the following core values: Community and Belonging, Student-Centered, Engagement, Transformation, Civic-Mindedness, Collaboration, Focus on the Future, and Stewardship. This has not changed. 

Our commitment to our students and community has not changed. We do not anticipate an impact on student loans or financial aid. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when possible. 

As Interim Chancellor Chris Fiorentino stated in his recent message, there is no action required at this time, and we will follow his guidance. No action related to this potential change does not mean that the University stops –– quite the contrary. We remain engaged in our important work to fulfill our mission and enable students to thrive.  

Our strategic plan is clear: “Slippery Rock University has a long history of serving our community, of supporting one another, and of living our mission. We do this through our vision to enhance the lives of our community members with an accessible, affordable, high-quality education, thereby meeting the needs of our society and the citizens we serve. As such, we must stand firm in our commitment to living our values, while transforming to meet the needs of our current and future students.” 

As a community of learners, we are reliant upon each other. I thank all of you for your work with our students and for supporting one another during an exceedingly busy and exciting time in the academic year.  

I’ve often said, when meeting with members of the campus community, that during times of transition and uncertainty we want and need to over communicate. This occurs in our Town Hall meetings, small groups, listening sessions and other ways to access resources and information from me and other members of our University administration team. 

We have strong leaders across the University who are committed to our collective success and wellbeing, and for that I am very thankful. 

I look forward to receiving feedback from you and serving and supporting the entire SRU community as we embrace the future together.   
 
With gratitude, 

Karen Riley, Ph.D.
President