Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU
My first week at Palo Alto University has been full of pleasant surprises. From the goats that greeted me on my first day at our Allen Calvin campus to the thorough orientation meetings led by our People Operations and IT teams, the positive and supportive energy around our community has been constant and affirming.
Over the weekend, I brought my 10-year-old daughter, the youngest of my three children, to see the goats and explore the campus grounds. She told me that out of all the campuses where I’ve worked, this “treehouse” campus was her favorite. I think it may be mine too!
My first week has also been an opportunity to meet regularly with President Emerita Maureen O’Connor, connect with some of our university leaders and trustees, learn more about our budget and infrastructure, and begin assessing PAU’s strengths and opportunities for growth. It is clear to me that PAU is a place defined by purpose and passion, and guided by our deep commitment to making a difference. The opportunities here feel boundless, and I genuinely feel fortunate to be part of a university that so fully aligns with my values.
Inspired by the framework of design thinking, a human-centered approach to visioning and problem solving, I am launching an empathy tour at PAU. In the context of design thinking, the empathy phase is about deeply understanding the experiences, motivations, and environment of the people we serve. Over the next few months, my goal is to listen, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of your experiences, needs, and aspirations. Your insights will be essential in informing my leadership and shaping the future of Palo Alto University. I will share more about opportunities to connect in the coming weeks.
I want to thank you for the warm welcome that my family and I have received. Just like many of our new students, staff, and faculty, joining a new community comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Your kindness has made our transition smooth and joyful.
I am eager to begin this work with all of you. This is a moment of great opportunity for our university, and I look forward to learning from you and leading alongside you in the months and years to come.
Warmly,
Farouk Dey, PhD
President, Palo Alto University