University of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the University community

Welcome back from what I hope was a restful and rejuvenating Christmas break.

The dawn of a new year is always an exciting time and for the University of Lethbridge, great change and great possibilities abound for 2010.

As I enter the final six months of my tenure as President, I can look back on what has been an incredible 10-year experience. I am confident in my successor, Dr. Mike Mahon, continuing the direction we have carved out for the University.

We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort refocusing the University as a comprehensive research institution, growing our campus, expanding our programs and enrolments, reaching out to the community and telling our story. I am very proud of all the people who have helped with that process and who keep the U of L 'running' both academically and operationally.

I am confident that Mike will come to work after July 1 to find the people and resources in place to ensure the sustainability and continued success of the University of Lethbridge – among them a solid strategic plan, community support and engaged students.

The presidential search committee has done a fine job. Elsa and I wish Mike, Maureen and their family well as they embark on this wonderful new opportunity.

The next six months will serve as a very important transitional opportunity for the University. He is coming into the University at a difficult time economically. Little has changed with respect to our University budget and there is no further information from the Government of Alberta in terms of funding. We continue to work on the assumption that there will be zero per cent change to our operating grant in both 2010-11 and 2011-12.

My goal is to help Mike transition into the role of President as easily as possible, with a full understanding of the issues facing the U of L coupled with the full support of the people he'll be working with to keep the University moving forward.