A word from Vice President Lori McDonald: Jun 2026
Summer is in full swing, and I hope that means you've had a chance to catch your breath. Maybe you've had more time for extra strolls through our calmer campus. Or perhaps you've been afforded the opportunity to catch up with a coworker or two over lunches. However it looks for you, I hope you've been able to enjoy some "me" time over the last month.
Early summer reminds me of my third-grade teacher, Mr. Box at Pineview Elementary School in Casper, Wyoming, who had us make a reading list before the summer vacation and told us reading was as important as practicing multiplication tables. I don’t do the math anymore, but books have a unique way of challenging our thinking, introducing us to new perspectives, and reminding us of the experiences that connect us. As someone who believes deeply in lifelong learning and personal growth, I'm excited to share a few books that are on my list this summer.
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara:
While the central focus of the book is on the restaurant industry, Guidara does a great job of showcasing some of the different elements that has helped his team and restaurant reach new heights. There's some great content here for elevating your daily interactions with students, fellow staff, and community members.
Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown:
Known for her “dare to lead” books and podcasts that provide insight into the human spirit and how we can navigate modern society and its challenges, I am very excited to dive into this one for inspiration. On the back cover she explains that her research has given her “an appreciation for what it takes to find strong ground in the tempest of change” that has led her to ask, “first, tell me about your relationship with the ground, then we figure out how high, fast, and far you can go.”
Co-Educate: Why Higher Education Must Change to Meet a Changing World by Robert Keith Wallace, Barbora de Courten, Ted Wallace, Carol Paredes, and Alicia Wrabeck:
This book caught my attention because it asks an important question: how can higher education continue to evolve to meet the needs of today's students? The authors offer thought-provoking perspectives on the future of learning, and the role colleges and universities can play in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple:
Not every book on my summer reading list is focused on leadership or professional development and I’ve started with this one! Maria Semple cleverly combines humor, mystery, and heart to tell a story about creativity, family, and rediscovering purpose. It's an entertaining read that also offers a few thoughtful reminders about embracing who we are and where we find fulfillment.
As always, thank you for the effort you show every single day—and here’s to a summer full of great reading (and multiplication?) for all of us!