Sanford in Bloom: Admitted Students, Engaged Leaders, Growing Impact

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Spring at Duke is remarkably beautiful. Cherry blossoms line the drive to Sanford, redbud trees come into bloom across campus, and the gardens begin to fill with color. It is, in short, a lovely moment to welcome visitors to Sanford.  Over the past week, we welcomed admitted students from across the country and around the world, both on Zoom and here in Durham.  There is something so energizing about introducing prospective students to our faculty, staff, and current students, and giving them a sense of what makes Sanford such a vibrant place. Our Admissions team does this exceptionally well, and I am always grateful to be part of that effort.

I am especially delighted to report that brilliant, motivated students are coming to schools like ours.  Public policy continues to attract the best and the brightest; thoughtful, motivated individuals who want to learn how to improve the world through policy. They are eager to explore the full range of today’s public policy challenges: from national security and technology to health, environment, and education. Their sense of purpose was inspiring, as was their recognition of the unique mentorship offered by our world-class faculty.  Spending time with them and hearing their stories, answering their questions, and imagining what lies ahead for them is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

This past week, we also had the pleasure of welcoming our Board of Visitors (BOV) to Sanford for several days of meaningful discussions on the current admissions cycle, the momentum in our capital campaign, and Sanford’s global plans. The highlight, however, was hearing from our students. Everyone was struck by the impressive work in leadership and civil discourse, as well as the thoughtful reflections from students in the Hart Leadership Program. The faculty-led conversation on affordability was so engaging that we ran out of time for post-dinner celebrations. I am grateful for our BOV that is deeply engaged and invested in Sanford.  Sanford is entering a season of remarkable growth; much like a garden coming fully into bloom.  Student interest remains vibrant, faculty excellence continues to flourish, and partnerships across sectors and geographies are expanding the reach of our work. 

Even as the world is in turmoil, I assure you that a whole new generation of insightful, eager people are investing in the future – at Sanford and with Sanford – because they believe it is a future worth building.