CSF President Updates Community: May 7, 2009
Dear CSF Community,
By now, you have probably heard that Governor Richardson, the state of NM, the city of Santa Fe, and Laureate Education are in active discussions on a plan that, if successful, would save the College of Santa Fe.
Under the plan, the College of Santa Fe would operate under the ownership and management of Laureate Education. Laureate Education’s international network of universities includes some of the best institutions of higher education throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Laureate brings to its universities and students a global perspective combined with a strong commitment to local culture and community.
While the college would be owned and operated by Laureate, it would remain the College of Santa Fe. It will still be a leader in teaching of the arts, and it would hold true to its reputation as a champion of the vibrant artistic traditions of the Santa Fe community. In short, the College of Santa Fe would continue to serve the needs of students who want to pursue a degree in the arts at one of the best institutions of higher education for the arts in the nation.
However, I want to be very clear and direct with all of you on a very important point: a number of challenges need to be overcome before the plan is finalized, including reaching agreement with the college’s creditors; obtaining government and accreditation body approvals; obtaining state legislature approvals; and completing an agreement between Laureate and the city of Santa Fe.
While there is much to be done, I am hopeful that this plan will succeed. The reason for my optimism: the leadership of Governor Bill Richardson and Mayor David Coss, and the continued support of Laureate Education’s chairman and chief executive officer, Douglas Becker. His company issued a press announcement about the plan, and in it he said “I am hopeful that this plan can succeed because of the recent decisive and bold actions taken by city and state officials and members of the college community. I congratulate the governor and his task force, the mayor of Santa Fe, the City Council, and the local and college communities for their determination to find a practical way to save this institution which is such an important part of the cultural fabric of Santa Fe and New Mexico.“
Many of you likely recall that Laureate Education pursued a purchase of the college about a year ago. Laureate made several proposals to creditors that would have saved the college and kept its doors open to new and returning students. Unfortunately, Laureate had to abandon these negotiations because the college’s major creditors were unwilling to make the concessions necessary for a viable financial plan. Now, with the focus and determination of Governor Richardson, the state, the city of Santa Fe, regulators and government agencies, I am optimistic the college can, in fact, be saved.
While I am hopeful, it will take time for the plan to make its way through state, city and agency reviews and approvals. In the meantime, you – our students – are my number one concern. For that reason, we will continue with our teach-out plans. However, I ask all of you to sign-up to receive frequent updates and information directly from Laureate. You can register for updates by clicking here.
The story of the College of Santa Fe is not over yet. The values and strengths of this amazing institution are a powerful combination for survival. I have never been more proud of our college than I am today.
Sincerely,
Stuart C. Kirk, Ph.D
President
(800) 456-2673 or (505) 473-6011 * Fax: (505) 473-6127 * admissions@csf.edu
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