Santa Fe Family,

You know how much I respect our College and the role you all play it its service.  You also know I use hyperbole when talking about both.  That said, I really do want you to know how provocative and game-changing our convocation will be, August 20 in the Fine Arts Hall.

Without question, we have the most distinguished speaker ever in the history of our college.  Our guest will be Dr. Martha Kanter, the Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education, a national leader and friend to Santa Fe who is just a few steps from the President of the United Sates when it comes to American education.  She is the first Undersecretary to come from a community college, a former League for Innovation President, and most importantly the most student-oriented national leader in higher education today.

In addition, we have signicant changes occurring in Florida higher education.  I will address these in my state-of-the-college address.

We will begin at 8:30 with a continental breakfast, with our program starting sharply at 9:00 a.m. and end equally sharply at 10:30.  I value the advice I received from a group of trusted colleagues a few months ago and this convocation has been molded around their suggestions.

Enjoy the few days left before we launch the 2013-2014 academic year.  I trust it will be the most rewarding for you.

-Jackson