In a recent address to the Hamline community, Hamline’s 22nd President, Mayme Hostetter, shared the results of her comprehensive “Listening Tour,” outlining both the strengths of the institution and the critical areas requiring improvement. The speech, which bridged the gap between past feedback and future strategic planning, was met with optimism from attendees who appreciated the administrator’s transparency.

Hostetter began by highlighting the “Top Five Strengths” identified through surveys and conversations. “The People” topped the list, with the community described as earnest and caring. Hostetter noted that students feel deeply connected to their professors, who are seen as going “above and beyond” to know their students’ names and lives. Other key assets included the university’s social justice ethos and its prime location in the Twin Cities.

However, Hostetter did not shy away from the challenges facing the university. She also presented a “Top Five” list of areas for improvement, with “Finances and Stability” emerging as the dominant theme. Hostetter acknowledged the need for a culture of respect and leadership stability following recent turnover. Facilities also drew significant criticism, specifically regarding the aging heating and cooling infrastructure and the condition of bathrooms in residence halls, like Manor Hall.

This candid approach resonated with staff members in the audience. Associate Dean of Students Carlos Sneed attended the speech to hear how colleague and student feedback would shape future planning.

“I felt good about it. I felt like it was honest and refreshing,” Sneed said. “It was positive, and didn’t really shy away from some of the challenging aspects of university life.”

Moving from challenges to solutions, President Hostetter announced a series of “Quick Wins” — immediate changes designed to improve morale and quality of life. For faculty and staff, the university has officially codified Winter Break as permanent time off and increased the initial vacation day amount to 15 days for new staff and 20 days for those with two years of service. For students, the administration is committed to installing new washers and dryers in all residence halls by January and giving the commuter lounge a makeover in the spring.

Cindy Breickmaier, a ’91 Hamline College of Liberal Arts graduate and university volunteer, praised these immediate actions.

“I thought [the quick wins] were fabulous,” Breickmaier said. “As a leader, you need to bring people on board, and those are relatively small, inexpensive things that can really get people excited about being here and working here.”

Looking towards the future, Hostetter proposed a philosophical shift for the university: moving from providing “Opportunity” to making a “Promise.” She argued that Hamline must ensure that all students graduate in four years with a great job or a graduate placement.

The speech concluded with a roadmap for the 2026 strategic plan. The process will kick off in January with a University Conference, followed by a “Friendly Expert Day” in February to bring in outside perspectives. A Steering Committee composed of faculty, staff and students will then work through the spring to draft a plan that moves the university from stability to sustainability.

“We’ve gone slow this fall through the Listening Tour in order to go fast this spring, ” Hostetter said. “And I’m excited to go fast together with you to build our next plan.”