Dear Colleagues:

Northeastern’s mission is based on two fundamental pillars: providing students with a transformative, experiential education anchored in co-op; producing knowledge that changes the world. At the heart of this mission are the talented teachers and scholars who form the backbone of this university.

Three years ago, our community united behind a series of priorities, including the strategic recruitment of new faculty. We have since recruited 124 tenured and tenure-track professors from leading institutions around the world.

Building our faculty on this ambitious scale has required year-round persistence, and our current faculty members and academic leaders have played an important role in this effort. You are truly our best recruiters, and I am grateful to all who devoted their time and energy to attracting outstanding colleagues to join our community.

The past year has been one of tremendous challenges for all institutions. While some chose to freeze faculty hiring, at Northeastern we charted our own path. By staying focused on our core values of teaching and research, we are now welcoming 42 distinguished scholars to our campus. They will teach and produce knowledge in fields ranging from chemistry to criminal justice, from network science to international business.

I also want to congratulate the 19 returning faculty colleagues who received tenure this fall. You have already contributed much to the intellectual vibrancy of our community, and you represent the depth and breadth of our university’s academic leadership.

In the year ahead, we will stay focused on our strategic priorities and remain faithful to our core values. I look forward to working with you as we continue to advance Northeastern’s noble mission.

Very truly yours,
Joseph E. Aoun