<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/about/president/communication/2026/editorial-impact-of-connection.aspx" dsn="blogs"><externalLink>https://sodexo.showpad.com/share/RxOHusdUXz7loXU97FNH7</externalLink><featured/><pubDate>04/09/2026 09:36:23 AM</pubDate><title>Editorial: The Impact of Connection</title><description>The gulf between a university president and the average college student is a large one. Presidents often seem inaccessible, and students hesitate to approach them, fearing they won’t have anything in common to discuss. Presidents typically know the top students, student leaders, and maybe a few performers on stage or in athletic arenas, but many are far removed from the day-to-day buzz of campus life.</description><image><img src="/_images/presidents-office/101625-college-tour-filming-189.jpg" alt="President Mike walking across campus with a student"/></image><tags><tag>Editorials</tag></tags></item>