A New Chapter, Built on Opportunity

Following last week’s Breaking News about the Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, I’ve appreciated the thoughtful conversations happening across departments. Any time we enter a new phase—whether it’s launching a new School, preparing for our new building, integrating AI more deeply into our work, or responding to the broader evolution of higher education—we feel the momentum of progress alongside the complexity of transition. That’s normal. And it’s healthy.

Since arriving over three years ago, I’ve consistently shared that we have unprecedented opportunities in front of us. Successful business schools are those that treat change not as disruption but as a runway for innovation. That mindset is now serving us well.

Yesterday, Simon Sinek’s daily “Notes that Inspire” frames this beautifully:

“Those with a finite mindset fear surprises. Those with an Infinite Mindset see opportunity in the unexpected.”

The way I see it, we’re not facing “unexpected” change so much as we are stepping into long–anticipated opportunities — opportunities that many of you have been actively preparing for through your teaching, your leadership, and your openness to new ideas.

Opportunity to elevate one of Charleston’s signature industries through the Bennett School.
Opportunity to design a building worthy of our ambitions and aligned with how future-focused schools operate.
Opportunity to harness AI in ways that strengthen student learning, creativity, and integrity.
Opportunity to model adaptability, optimism, and purpose for our students.

Thank you for your leadership, your collaboration, and your willingness to embrace change as a catalyst—not a complication. We’re not reacting to a moment; we are continuing a trajectory we’ve been building together from the start.

With an infinite mindset, our possibilities only expand.

YOU make a difference!

Ponder this with me …

Thanks to CoPilot and Grammarly for the assist.