Creating a Caring Environment from Day One

May President's Message

Dear Caring Campus Community,

As the spring semester comes to a close, campuses are already welcoming a new wave of students for the summer term. This transition presents an important opportunity to ensure every student feels welcomed from their very first day.

Creating a sense of belonging is a shared responsibility. I encourage every department to continue taking an active role in helping students navigate these first few weeks.

A student smiles holding a sign that says, "My Mom Made Me Take This Photo Fall 2025"

TAMUK's Office of Research and Innovation found a meaningful way to create a caring culture by hosting a First Day of School photo station.

Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) offers a strong example of this commitment in action. The university’s Office of Research and Innovation, a team not typically student-facing, found a meaningful way to contribute by hosting a First Day of School photo station during Welcome Week. This effort provided an opportunity for staff to connect with students and answer any questions.

These summer months also provide an ideal time for Caring Campus Network members to apply for Certification. Achieving Caring Campus Certification recognizes your institution as a leader in fostering strong relationships, support, and connections to help students succeed. Start the Certification application process today!

Excitement is also building for the Caring Campus Conference 2026: Developing a Legacy of Impact, happening November 11-13 in Nashville. Visit our conference website to learn more about how this event will offer valuable insights to help your campus strengthen a culture of care. Register today to secure early bird pricing.

A group of community college and university leadership smile at the camera.

Leadership from TAMUK, Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, and Laredo College came together for the first Caring Campus Regions collaboration meeting.

We are also thrilled to launch a new regional imitative supported by the Greater Texas Foundation. This grant will help establish Caring Campus Regions, spanning community colleges and universities, ensuring that students experience consistent care and support, especially during transfers. On April 17, leadership from TAMUK, Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, and Laredo College came together for the first regional collaboration meeting, marking an important step forward in this work.

As a reminder, I will be stepping back as president and CEO of Caring Campus effective July 1, 2026. I will continue supporting the organization in a half-time capacity, while Ken Sherwood and Dr. Bola King-Rushing will transition into the roles of CEO and president, respectively. I look forward to their leadership and continued commitment to improving student success.

Thank you for your continued dedication to student success and Caring Campus. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help your campus continue to build and nurture a culture of care.

Sincerely,

Brad Phillips, Ph.D.

IEBC President/CEO

Contact IEBC at [email protected], see our website, or call us at

562-688-5721 for more information.

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