Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff Members,

I hope you enjoyed the winter break and are ready for a fun, productive, and rewarding spring semester.

I write to update you on the leadership in the Provost’s Office. As you’ll recall, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tomoko Sakomura began a medical leave in August. We now know that her leave will extend through the spring semester. Out of respect for Tomoko’s privacy, I cannot share additional details at this time, but I know we all wish her well and look forward to her return to the College.

In Tomoko’s absence, Kathleen Howard, the Edward Hicks Magill Professor of Mathematics & Natural Sciences and professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, will continue to serve as acting provost and dean of the faculty with authority over all of the responsibilities of the position. Her more than 25 years of experience at Swarthmore, coupled with her steady and thoughtful leadership and collegial, collaborative disposition, have been invaluable during this period. I am grateful that Kathleen has agreed to continue in the role through the spring semester.

While the timetable for Tomoko’s return is uncertain, Kathleen’s acting appointment will not extend into the fall semester. I expect to have a clearer picture of the situation in the coming weeks, and I will provide additional information at that time. I want to express my gratitude to the entire Provost’s Office staff for working to minimize any disruption during this interim period.

Please join me in wishing Tomoko well and thanking Kathleen for her service in this acting role.

Sincerely,

Val Smith
President