President's Messages News

It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of Sam Harris ’58, a member of our alumni family whose life and legacy have left a lasting mark on Grinnell and in the world.

Spring break comes with the generative possibility of respite, discovery, connection, and renewal for each of you, and I hope that it is a restorative time for all of you. When we gather again, I invite you to a Legislative Update on Wednesday, March 25 from noon to 1 p.m. in the HSSC Auditorium.

I am writing today to share that Human Resources will undergo a phased leadership transition beginning in the spring semester. Jana Grimes has, these past five years, led Human Resources through several strategic initiatives and change management efforts, and will remain in the Vice President role until an Associate Vice President is identified and arrives on campus

President Anne F. Harris welcomes students, faculty, and staff back to campus for spring 2026.

For the many Grinnellians who knew Mrs. Renfrow Smith personally, as well as the countless others who were inspired by her remarkable life as a Grinnellian who strived always to serve the common good and to live life to the fullest, her passing holds great meaning.

Every year on November 8, we express our gratitude for the accomplishments of all first-generation Grinnellians – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – by observing First-Generation College Celebration Day. This day commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased access, retention, and completion rates for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students.

President Anne F. Harris shares strategic plan updates with new activity beginning in 2025–26 and continuing activity in the areas of: Catalyst For Educational Excellence, Belonging and Connection, Collective Equity, and Shared Goals and Common Ground.

President Anne F. Harris invites students, faculty, and staff into community with her and Jerry Seaman, special advisor to the president for strategy, at the inaugural Scholars' Convocation of the 2025–26 academic year.

President Anne F. Harris welcomes students, faculty, and staff to campus.

President Anne F. Harris addressed new students and their families at the 2025 New Student Orientation Welcome Ceremony.