Robert M. Gates to be reappointed as W&M Chancellor
President Katherine A. Rowe sent the following message to the William & Mary community Sept. 21, 2018. - Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community,
It is my great honor to announce that Robert M. Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98 has accepted my invitation to serve a second term as Chancellor of William & Mary, pending formal approval next week by the Board of Visitors.
During the past seven years and long before his current role, Chancellor Gates has been an exceptional ambassador for his alma mater. He has also proven to be an invaluable resource to me during the presidential transition.
At every opportunity, he has helped to elevate William & Mary’s profile. Over the years, he has magnified our Homecoming, Charter Day and Commencement ceremonies with his presence, despite the intense demands on his time. He has generously shared his international affairs expertise with our students, faculty, and staff, actively participated in our For the Bold campaign efforts, particularly as a leader of our Affording Opportunity scholarships initiative, and witnessed the commissioning of many of our ROTC students.
Chancellor Gates embodies a core value – selfless service to community and country – which is a key component of Thinking Forward, our effort to consider the future of William & Mary. As a community, we will benefit from his example as we think about what service will mean in the coming years and how it will intersect with the future of knowledge and of work at this university.
We are grateful for the many years and ways Chancellor Gates has contributed to William & Mary. I’m delighted that he’s willing to devote even more time and attention to our university.
Sincerely,