Office of the President

Aligning with Our Purpose, Investing in Our Future

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly takes to craft a unified vision for Converse, one that honors our shared values, reflects our collective aspirations, and positions the University to thrive in the years ahead. At its heart, this work is not done alone. It requires the commitment, courage, and passion of a community willing to lend its voices, time, and talents as we navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities facing higher education.

Together, we are shaping what comes next for Converse.

Higher education is facing some of its most significant challenges in decades:

• Shifting demographics mean fewer college-aged students and greater competition for enrollment.
• Rising costs and inflation put pressure on families—and on institutions striving to keep education affordable while sustaining excellence.
• Changing expectations in a rapidly evolving workforce demand new, innovative programs that equip students for emerging fields.
• Reduced federal and state support intensifies the need for philanthropic partnership to maintain access and quality.

In this environment, Converse is moving forward with clarity and resolve. We are:

• Investing in excellence: Channeling resources toward innovative, high-impact programs that define the Converse experience and give students a competitive edge in a global environment.
• Streamlining for strength: Focusing on key mission-aligned priorities to ensure Converse remains both resilient and future-focused.
• Continuing careful stewardship: Using our resources in impactful and thoughtful ways to propel our university toward permanent financial stability.
• Remaining true to our mission: Delivering the personalized education and leadership preparation that has been Converse’s hallmark for more than 135 years.

Every event you attend, every message you read, and every conversation you take part in is a meaningful expression of your care for Converse. These moments of engagement, both large and small, strengthen our campus, deepen our sense of connection, and reinforce our shared purpose. Together, they ensure that Converse continues to offer an exceptional, transformative educational experience for today’s students and for generations to come.

We will build a stronger Converse. I invite each of you—our alumni, parents, friends, and community partners—to walk alongside us in this important work. Your engagement, advocacy, and support will help us write the next chapter of Converse’s story.

Boone J. Hopkins, Ph.D.

Learn more about official university statements.