Moving Lehigh Forward, Together

At Lehigh, our educational mission is centered on advancing learning through teaching, research and service to others. Our vibrant academic community thrives on dialogue that promotes the exchange of ideas and the expression of varied viewpoints. This semester, civil discourse is critical as we continue to navigate a challenging global climate that influences discussions at Lehigh and colleges and universities nationwide.

One forum for such dialogue is our Compelling Perspectives program, which fosters discussions across differing perspectives on issues of societal importance. Katie Couric, the first woman to solo anchor a network evening newscast, launched the program’s second year with a discussion on traditional media’s changing role in reporting news. A familiar face—Marty Baron ’76 ’76G ’14H—was our guest in December, reflecting on coverage of the 2024 presidential election. A third speaker, scheduled to visit in February, will focus on nontraditional media. I look forward to that discussion and invite you to attend if you are able.

To make sure our progress continues, we’ve adopted two mantras for the second year of the strategy: “No Sophomore Slump” and “No Bystanders.” No individual owns this strategy; it is collectively Lehigh’s strategy. For the university to be successful, each of us must engage in helping to move Lehigh forward consistent with our values and priorities.

I look forward to keeping you informed as the strategy’s implementation progresses and we prepare Lehigh, its students, its faculty and staff, and the community for the future.

Joseph J. Helble '82
President of Lehigh University