Interim President Kathryn McClymond made a commitment to listening to all of the stakeholders in the Oglethorpe University community when the Board of Trustees appointed her interim president in May.

She followed through on that commitment with a series of listening meetings throughout the summer with departments on campus and has continued to participate in faculty and student events now that the Fall Semester has begun.

“I have learned so much in such a short period of time by investing time in listening,” McClymond said. “From meeting the new students and their families on Move-in Day to talking with alumni on the phone, I’m hearing what is important to Oglethorpe, and that’s helped me articulate what makes us special both on campus and outside the gates.”

She plans to host a series of “Fireside Chats” with alumni in coming weeks and will be having lunches in the Petrel’s Nest with faculty, students and staff on the third Tuesday of each month, starting on Sept.19. Check your Oglethorpe email for the invitation.

McClymond also is following the August 31 formal President’s Town Hall for faculty and staff with a series of informal gatherings, beginning with “Coffee with the Interim President and SALT” (Senior Administrative Leadership Team) from 9 to 10 a.m., Sept. 14, in the reception area outside of the President’s Office on the second floor of Lupton Hall. Faculty and staff are invited to stop by.

“This is the part of the job of president I love the most,” McClymond said. “I appreciate the support and the honest feedback I’ve been entrusted with. It is truly a privilege to serve as interim president.”