President Thompson Shares Leadership Principles in University Business Op-Ed
President Thompson (far right) offers a fist bump to a student during one of the May 1 Commencement events
Photo by Joshua Touster
Thompson: In pursuing a transformative education for our students, we must not take shortcuts
Wentworth Institute of Technology President Mark A. Thompson has written an op-ed for University Business that discusses the student experience and why taking the harder path is often the correct path.
“In-person graduations highlight 4 student-centered strategies” notes the three on-campus commencement ceremonies held at the beginning of the month. Thompson writes that a commencement event in a non-pandemic year is a massive undertaking, but safely hosting one at this moment took even more planning and finesse.
“We did so because, simply put, it was important to our students and their families,” Thompson said. “Students have already lost so much during this pandemic. In considering how best to navigate a complex commencement decision, we returned to a core tenet: Students are our reason for being. Their success sustains us. And we must do everything to support them, even when it is not the most convenient option.”
Thompson additionally outlines four basic principles that guide him as president: focusing on students, seeking input from the board and administration, strengthening partnerships with the city and state, and taking the long view.
The full piece can be found at University Business’ website.
University Business is a higher education trade magazine that covers topics ranging from tech, finances, and facilities management to academics and leadership.