Veterans’ Recognition at Bates
Dear Members of the Bates Community, I am pleased to share…
Speeches and Statements
Announcement of Professorship Appointments in 2017–18
I am delighted to announce the appointment of five faculty members to endowed professorships, effective in 2017–18.
Bates Community Letter: Fall 2017
Dear Members of the Bates Community, Now that we have settled into…
Statement on Decision to End Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Policy
We are deeply disappointed by President Trump’s cruel decision to rescind the…
Remarks at Convocation: Fall 2017
I cannot remember a time in my professional experience when matters of context and principle have intruded so insistently into the project of teaching the next generation of students.
Standing with Charlottesville
Dear Members of the Bates Community, The events of this past weekend…
Update and Findings of Independent Investigation
Dear Members of the Bates Community: I write to share the findings…
Update on Recent Campus Events
Dear Members of the Bates Community, As this week comes to a…
Message to the Bates Community
Dear Members of the Bates Community, On Saturday night, at a campus…
Update on Dean of Faculty Transition and Search
I write to share my thinking and seek your advice about the transition in the Dean of Faculty role.
Statement on Executive Order Regarding Immigration
Dear Members of the Bates Community, This past Friday, President Trump signed…
Response to Open Letter Regarding Undocumented Students
In early December, The Bates Student printed an open letter asking the…
A message to the Bates community
Dear Members of the Bates Community, I hope Thanksgiving provided time with…
The passing of Katie Vale
I write to share the shocking and profoundly sad news that Katie Vale, our vice president for information and library services and librarian, died yesterday, Sunday, November 27, after suffering cardiac arrest.
A message to the Bates community
Last night marked the end of one of the most divisive and vitriolic presidential campaigns in recent U.S. history.
Information about Election Day and registering to vote
This weekend, a flyer was circulated on the Bates campus with false information about tomorrow’s election and what our students need to do to register to vote.
Bates Community Letter: Fall 2016
With opening days behind us, the Class of 2020 duly welcomed, and new and returning students ensconced in their dorms, classes, and activities, I write to share news from campus and provide a preview of the year ahead.
Letter to the campus community
I write in response to events that are happening on campuses across the nation and to make you aware of a unique opportunity for considered conversation on race and inclusiveness in higher education that is happening on the Bates campus this weekend.
Remarks at the inauguration of Valerie Smith, president of Swarthmore College
In Val Smith, you have chosen an inspired and inspiring leader.
‘Co-Creating Our World’: Remarks at Convocation, Sept. 8, 2015
This morning we call you together to constitute you formally as the Class of 2019 and to mark your entry into the academic community.
Bates Community Letter: Fall 2015
I write to share the sense of excitement we feel, to highlight areas of focus for the fall, and to invite your engagement with, and suggestions about, all things Bates.
Remarks to Bishop’s University Class of 2015
Chancellor, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, members of the Platform Party, graduating students, families…
President Clayton Spencer’s letter about recent campus events
I thought it might be helpful to share facts about recent events and give a sense of the principles and values that guide my thinking about how to honor what is most important about Bates as we work together to move the institution forward.
Welcome remarks at MLK Day Keynote, Jan. 19, 2015
To state the obvious, this year’s topic, “From Selma to Ferguson: 50 years of Nonviolent Dissent,” could not be more timely.
‘The Challenge of Community’: Remarks at Convocation, Sept. 2, 2014
Good morning. Welcome to the opening convocation of this new academic year….
Bates Community Letter: Fall 2014
I write to share news and plans at the start of a new academic year, my third as president of the college. As I have said before, serving Bates as president is a source of great personal joy, even as we tackle inevitable challenges. Every day I am struck by the dedication of our faculty, the energy of our students, the pride of our staff, and the solidarity and support of alumni, parents, and friends in sustaining the work and sense of common feeling that make Bates such an extraordinary college and community.
President Clayton Spencer’s statement on climate change and divestment
I write to outline important aspects of our institutional response to the urgent problem of climate change and to address the question of whether the college should divest its endowment from the fossil fuel industry.
President Clayton Spencer’s statement on the boycott of Israeli academic institutions
On behalf of Bates College, I reject unequivocally the boycott of Israeli universities that was recently passed by a majority of the members of the American Studies Association.
Bates Community Letter: Fall 2013
I write to share with you developments at the college as we welcome the Class of 2017 and begin a new academic year.
‘Some Thoughts on Work’: Remarks at Convocation, Sept. 3, 2013
Thank you, Brent, and thank you, Matt, for those very thoughtful reflections….
‘Questions Worth Asking’: President Clayton Spencer’s Inaugural Address, Oct. 26, 2012
Well, I guess now I really am the eighth president of Bates…
Remarks at Convocation: Sept. 4, 2012
Welcome back, faculty, staff and returning students, to the beginning of a…
Video remarks from President Clayton Spencer
Watch video remarks from Bates’ eighth President, Clayton Spencer Educating the whole…
President-elect Clayton Spencer’s first remarks
Remarks by President-elect Clayton Spencer on Dec. 4, 2011, following her introduction…