Message to Institute Faculty, Staff, and Students from President Laurie Patton

Dear MIIS Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Since every day in this environment of rapid change now feels like a week,  it seems like ages that we held our board of trustees meeting with you all, and learned of your inspired ongoing work in so many areas. And yet our meeting was only in late January—a month and a half ago. The board came away newly refreshed by your energy and creativity in embracing the world. And now, we are connected again, this time by news of your “Shelter in Place” order, and the report of two new positive cases in Monterey County. We received that difficult news last night at the same time as we heard news of our first positive case here in Addison County. 

We also know that California is facing much different, and more dire, challenges. As Monterey County ‘Shelters-in-Place,’ I realize many of you have had to accelerate or completely change your plans for working remotely. I want to acknowledge the additional stress these new measures have caused many of you. I realize that these extraordinary circumstances are presenting each of you with new challenges as you navigate school closures, concern for family members, and other issues. Your safety and wellbeing is our foremost concern, and I encourage all of you to practice self-care as you continue your work.

As I have been part of the high speed bureaucratic decision making so sadly necessary in times like this, I have also been struck by something quite non-bureaucratic indeed: At MIIS you all are living in the midst of those challenges in ways that are brave, open, and committed. As I have followed your work over the past week and a half, I have been encouraged to see that many departments are hosting virtual daily team check-ins, student clubs are finding innovative ways to host social events, and there are even plans for hosting virtual social/happy hours.

I am particularly impressed by your adaptability in delivering your academic mission. You led in the work of moving our curricula on line, and helped the whole institution to pivot in order to keep learning and teaching. So let me say, in the midst of the forest of new policies, that we are thinking of you, we support your work, and know that it will remain vibrant.

You continue to galvanize us in extraordinary ways, even, and perhaps especially, in times of unexpected challenge whose full impact cannot be adequately described.  MIIS is moving us forward, with Middlebury heart and soul. Thank you.

Yours in courage and solidarity,

Laurie Patton

President