For 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas, freedom did not come until more than two years later. On June 19, 1865, the U.S. Army arrived and enforced emancipation from those who fought to uphold chattel slavery. This is the date we now commemorate as Juneteenth. 

I want to share several updates in Academic Affairs and celebrate our faculty members receiving promotion and tenure.

I write with a heavy heart to share that Dr. Altaf Merchant has decided to step down from his role as the Gary E. & James A. Milgard Endowed Dean of the Milgard School of Business on September 15, 2026.

This week, we were informed of alleged behaviors and threats by an individual in an off-campus incident. This reached a level of concern that prompted the activation of UW’s SafeCampus threat assessment team, and Campus Safety & Security took actions to ensure the safety of our campus community.

The University of Washington Tacoma is honored to support a large military-connected community that includes veterans, active-duty service members, spouses and children of military personnel, and Gold Star families whose loved ones died while serving in active conflicts.

In the wake of President Jones’s message about the heartbreaking loss of a UW Seattle student this past Sunday, I want to share some resources for those who may be seeking support.

This month commemorates both the historic and ongoing sacrifices, as well as the achievements of AANHPI leaders and organizers who have empowered their communities and strengthened the next generation for our collective well-being.

As we move into the last quarter of the academic year, I write to provide important updates across a range of areas in Academic Affairs: leadership transitions, faculty development opportunities and upcoming events, a name change for the TLC and sabbatical proposal guidance.

The City of Tacoma has approved the vacation of two street segments to the University of Washington Tacoma.

This month, we are proud to honor the pivotal achievements and influence of women in all public and private spheres during Women’s History Month.