It is with mixed emotion that I share that the OCW Consortium’s executive director of the past three years, John Dehlin, is taking the next step in his personal development and beginning prerequisite work for a PhD program. In order to concentrate on this study, John is stepping down as executive director. John has spoken to me often about his desire to further his own education, even while dedicating his time and skills to furthering the educational opportunities of countless others.

While I am immensely pleased for John to be able to take this next personal step, it comes at a loss to the Consortium. He has guided the organization though an important transition to independence, expanded the membership tremendously and provided a solid infrastructure to support the ongoing operation of the OCWC. Throughout his time as executive director he has also been a great collaborator and friend for me personally. John will continue to serve the Consortium in some capacity as he pursues his study.

The Consortium is fortunate to have Terri Bays of Notre Dame University available and willing to serve as interim executive director for the upcoming year, providing the Consortium the opportunity to conduct a thorough and orderly search for a new permanent executive director. As special projects manager, Terri has led the drafting of the Consortium’s bylaws and many other key steps in creating the new non-profit organization.

Please join me in thanking John for his contributions to the OCW movement to date and wishing him well in his new endeavors, and also in thanking Terri for taking on her new role in guiding the Consortium.