President's Messages News

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.

President Anne F. Harris, along with members of the College’s senior leadership team, invite students, staff, and faculty to delve into a selection of contemporary books from Cover to Cover.

President Harris invites the campus community to the colloquium, conversations to share information about timely and significant topics in higher education as these intersect with experiences and mission at Grinnell.

President Anne F. Harris provides an update regarding the budget bill as passed by the Senate and the House and its impact on our College.