October 15, 2024
Dear members of the Connecticut College community,
I am writing to share that effective Jan. 3, 2025, Amy Dooling will step down from her role as vice president for Strategic Initiatives and resume her position as a tenured member of the Conn faculty. Having served for five years as the inaugural associate dean of Global Initiatives, Amy took on an expanded role in the senior administration in 2021 to continue building inter-institutional partnerships and strengthening global teaching and research, while also supporting the work of the president’s office, the senior team and the Board of Trustees to advance the College’s priorities.
In addition to her vital contributions to the accreditation processes, Amy has been instrumental in moving forward key strategic initiatives over the past nine years. Notable accomplishments include launching and operationalizing the Walter Commons for Global Study & Engagement, a goal of our strategic plan Building on Strength; establishing robust partnerships with universities, colleges and non-profits around the world; expanding institutional collaborations with the Coast Guard Academy and the Williams School; and spearheading the College’s efforts to co-found two cross-institutional organizations, the New University in Exile Consortium and the Center for Housing Equity and Opportunity in Southeast Connecticut.
Conn has benefited greatly from Amy’s exceptional partnership throughout her administrative tenure with the Division of Advancement and the Office of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations, serving as the author, co-author and consultant on numerous proposals to funding agencies and private donors in support of mission-aligned endeavors. Resources secured from these efforts, totaling more than $5 million, have helped to advance a wide range of projects and programs, from expanding student access to international programming to curriculum development in the languages to study away advising to our New London Scholars program.
After a well-deserved administrative sabbatical, Amy will return to the faculty ranks and join the leadership team of the Walter Commons. She informs me that she is eager to refocus her attention on her scholarly work and commitment to international education, and I respect that decision.
Although Amy and I have only worked together for a short period, her support and wise counsel as I have stepped into my role have been invaluable. I am deeply appreciative of her steadfast commitment to Conn during a period of significant transition for the College, supporting three different presidents during her tenure.
Sincerely,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President