Dear Atkinson Alumni,
Willamette is more than an academic institution; it is a launchpad for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. As we navigate an ever-changing professional landscape, Willamette’s commitment to student success extends beyond commencement day — demonstrated most recently by our investment in an expanded Career Center.
A Willamette education isn’t merely about acquiring knowledge — it’s about developing the versatile thinkers and innovative problem-solvers our society needs. Employers tell us consistently that they value graduates who have not only technical expertise but also critical thinking abilities, ethical judgment, and the ability to collaborate across differences — the skills developed from a Willamette education.
Our faculty and staff’s dedication to mentorship and experiential learning opportunities prepares graduates to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This commitment to excellence and student success is also embodied by our leadership team, who are dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive.
One prime example is Romana Autrey, who I'm happy to share has agreed to serve as dean of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management. During her year as interim dean, Romana led a successful accreditation cycle and oversaw the cross-campus move of all Atkinson programs and personnel to Kaneko. Her continued leadership will maintain stability and excellence in our management programs as we expand their offerings and strengthen interdisciplinary connections with our other schools.
In times of uncertainty, a Willamette education recognizes that we are not just preparing students for the world they’ll enter after graduation — we’re preparing them to shape it. Having leaders like Romana in position to help chart the course is vital to our continued success and progress.
Sincerely,
Steve