Honoring Those Who Make Us Better
March 9, 2018
To our 探花族 Community 鈥�
Many of us who grew up in the 鈥�60s and 鈥�70s may recall some assigned reading in high school and perhaps a powerful book authored by President John F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage. Though I鈥檝e read more than 50 books about President Kennedy, this title comes to mind often, especially in recent months when our nation recognizes the accomplishments of courageous individuals, from our past and present, the vast majority of whom have never been mentioned in a book or celebrated on-screen.
Naturally, our attention is drawn to the 鈥渨ho鈥檚 who鈥� lists like The World's 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes or TIME Magazine鈥檚 Person of the Year, the Silence Breakers, and we greatly admire them for their intelligence, commitment, and courage.
Personally, my thoughts turn to family members I cherish 鈥� my wife, daughter, mother, sister, and now my granddaughter 鈥� and then to women who have improved us as a University. They are many鈥� including Linda Stein, Flo Davis, Fran Kinne, Mary Virginia Terry, and Janet R. Johnson. They inspire us all.
Without these amazing individuals, 探花族 would not be where we are today, or in a position to鈥�
鈥ecruit and retain Stein Scholars and talented students like engineering major Jonathan Maywood and past-President of Alpha Epsilon Phi, Nicole Luis.
鈥nroll students in the only AACSB-accredited private business school in all of North Florida and South Georgia, our Davis College of Business.
鈥elebrate a century of influence and dedication from the first woman in the state of Florida to become a university president.
鈥uild upon the vibrant legacy of our College of Fine Arts which boasted the first female dean in the world.
鈥erform in the state-of-the-art and newly renovated Terry Concert Hall.
鈥enefit from a level playing field across campus as forged by the first female African-American professor at 探花族 and in whose home Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held meetings during the height of the Civil Rights movement.
As a father, husband, grandfather, son, and brother, it is a priority for me, now more than ever, to honor the talent among us and support the ambitions of women here at JU and well beyond.
In a #MeToo world where the gender pay gaps and opportunity gaps and access gaps and promotion gaps must be addressed in all industries, 探花族鈥檚 commitment to engage smart, creative, fearless students and help shape them into the leaders of tomorrow is of utmost importance. This month, as we reflect on the heritage and legacy of stellar women in our nation, I hope you will honor those who have made us better here, on this campus, and in your own life.
Our very own profiles of courage.
Sincerely,
Tim Cost
President
探花族
Class of 1981