Tomorrow will be my last day as your dean. On Thursday
morning I begin a public service leave to take up a position in the State
Department. My position is not yet public; an official announcement will follow
when it is. This is a more personal goodbye.
I have loved being dean of this extraordinary school, for so
many reasons. For the perpetual pleasure of having new ideas and knowledge
cross my desk as the result of the faculty's research and initiative. For the excitement and fulfillment of meeting
and teaching an endlessly renewed cohort of smart, passionate, and creative
students committed to public and international affairs. For the energy of
everyone who came into my office with a plan or a project, helping to move the
School forward in so many ways. For the warmth and dedication of
administrators, assistants, and support staff of all kinds, from cleaners to
cooks, who have ensured that we never lack for a smile or a party. For two
wonderful associate deans, Nolan McCarty and Mark Watson, both of whom have
stepped up to be acting dean, and for a superb and unflappable staff in the
dean's office. For the collegiality of scholars and friends across this great
University. And for having the chance to be part of a team under Shirley
Tilghman's inspired leadership.
Many of you have heard me exhort students and alumni to
remember the importance not just of public service, but of government service.
Without effective government countless hours of devotion to the public good can
come to naught. But as I reflect on President Obama's words earlier today, his
list of challenges and his invocation of common purpose, service seems far more
a privilege than a duty. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of a
great collective effort to tackle some of the gravest problems ever to have
faced the nation and the world.
I am leaving as dean, but I will remain a member of the
faculty. Indeed, when Senator Clinton offered me a position, I told her that I
could only take a limited public service leave and that I would be commuting
back and forth to Princeton on weekends. She commented that it would be
valuable for me to get out of Washington regularly, to be able to hear a wider
range of opinions. The one thing that everyone in the Woodrow Wilson School has
in abundance is opinions! May your comments and ideas keep this community alive
for me, even as I leave it. I will miss you all.
With affection,
Anne-Marie
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