Office of the President

To serve as the president of Reed College is the honor of a lifetime. Since joining the college in 2019, I have come to deeply appreciate this extraordinary community. Reed is composed of brilliant faculty, relentlessly curious students, staff who prioritize student success above all, and alumni who are formidable thinkers with the determination to do bold, great things.

For more than 100 years, the college’s mission has been devoted to the intrinsic value of intellectual pursuit and governed by the highest standards of scholarly practice, critical thought, and creativity. Loren Pope, of Colleges That Change Lives, once stated what others often echo: that Reed College is “the most intellectual college in the country.”

When I’m asked what sets Reedies apart my short answer is: Reedies are multidimensional. Reedies are mathematicians who play musical instruments, dancers who theorize, writers who reflect on social justice, political scientists intrigued by biology, and scientists influenced by poetry and the ancient world. Their stories remind us of the breadth and depth of a liberal arts education. These are people capable of tackling important humanistic, scientific, social, business, and technological challenges. This is why we say that the world needs more Reedies—they are multidimensional sources of inspiration, and are a force for good in the world.

We take great pride in being called the most intellectual college in the country. The rigor of our academic program and our high standards have not and will not change. Yet Reed is not, nor should it be, a static entity. I invite you to join me in marveling at the Reed experience—who we are, and who we endeavor to become.

In the following video, I share with you my reflections of and visions for the Reed College experience.

I thank the Reed community for the privilege and delight of championing this community of scholars and serving as president of an institution engaged in such critical work.

With appreciation and gratitude,

Audrey

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