On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center was filled with anticipation as President David A. Greene took the floor for the annual State of the College address. In a speech that covered the challenges of higher education, new campus projects, and the College’s commitment to equity and innovation, Greene painted a vision of a future where the College blends tradition with future centered focus.
“The landscape of higher education is changing faster than ever,” Greene began, setting the tone for his address. “Demographics, technology, and student expectations are transforming what it means to provide a liberal arts education.” With rising enrollment pressures and shifting priorities, Greene emphasized that the College cannot rely solely on past successes. “We cannot assume that what has worked before will always work again. Colby must continue to innovate while staying true to its core mission.”
A central focus of the address was the College’s investment in science and technology. Greene announced a $150 million gift to establish the McVey Center for Computational and Data Sciences, a 200,000-square-foot facility set to open by 2030. “This center will not only provide cutting-edge laboratories and classrooms but also serve as a hub for research in artificial intelligence, environmental modeling, biomedical computation, and data science,” he explained. The McVey Center, he continued, will bridge the liberal arts and technological innovation, allowing students “to solve real-world problems, bridging theory and practice in ways unprecedented for a college of our size.”
Many students expressed enthusiasm about these new developments, particularly as STEM continues to grow as a focus at Colby. Stella Reynaga, SGA class of `20 Senator, shared that “the new investments, like the McVey Center, are an exciting and necessary step for Colby, especially as STEM fields become increasingly central to so many areas of study and work. These resources have the potential to make learning more hands-on and collaborative, which is something students have really been asking for.”
Reynaga also viewed the expansion as a chance to review the College’s academic balance. “I’ve heard some valid concerns from students in the humanities about what the College’s priorities might look like once the new STEM programming is fully rolled out.” She went on to add, “Personally, I think the STEM expansion will provide valuable opportunities for everyone, but it’ll be important that Colby keeps its liberal arts identity central. STEM can absolutely be taught in the spirit of the liberal arts.”
Greene addressed that very balance, emphasizing that the College’s continued evolution and expansion would not come at the expense of its foundation. “The liberal arts are not a static concept,” he said. “They evolve alongside society, giving students the skills to navigate change with integrity and creativity.” He highlighted the importance of preparing graduates not only with knowledge, but with adaptability and purpose: “Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but ethical and innovative, students who will lead with curiosity and compassion.”
Accessibility and affordability were also key themes of Greene’s address. He reiterated the College’s dedication to making its education feasible for students from all economic backgrounds. “Our financial aid policies remain among the most generous in the country,” he said. “Providing access to a Colby education is not just a matter of policy; it’s a moral commitment.” For many in attendance, this message resonated deeply. Reynaga noted it “remains a persistent and evolving issue…this includes improving healthcare access, increasing funding for students to pursue academic or extracurricular opportunities, and addressing barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups. That said, I’ve noticed that administrators seem increasingly open to having these conversations with students, which I think is a meaningful step in the right direction.”
Greene’s remarks also highlighted campus development and community engagement as key pillars of the College’s future. He spoke about the upcoming transformation of the Runnals Center into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, describing it as “a space designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging.” Greene linked this growth to the College’s expanding ties with Waterville: “Our work downtown demonstrates how a college can be a catalyst for economic growth and cultural vitality. Our students and faculty contribute every day to the life of this city, and in turn, the city enriches the experience of our students.”
Students like Reynaga reflected on this sentiment and how much the town to campus relationship has evolved. “I’ve noticed how much Colby’s presence in downtown Waterville has grown and how intentional the College seems to be about strengthening that relationship. The increased investment in shared spaces and community partnerships has made the connection between students and residents feel more genuine and collaborative.”
Not all change, however, comes without mixed feelings. With new buildings and renovations reshaping campus spaces, some students have concerns about the pace of such physical developments. “This is definitely a hot topic on campus right now,” Reynaga said. “While I’m really excited about the creation of a central hub for academic and interdisciplinary centers…I also understand that these changes come at the expense of spaces students have long felt connected to.” Reynaga added that she hopes “leadership continues to invite and expand student participation in these discussions so that decisions reflect both institutional and lived student experiences.”
Greene acknowledged that change often comes with tension but framed it as an integral part of the College’s progress. “As we build our campus, we are also building relationships, trust, and a shared future with our neighbors in Waterville and with each other,” he said. “Change is constant, but it’s also collaborative.”
Throughout his address, Greene returned to a familiar theme: the power of community. He praised the work of faculty, staff, and students in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Diversity and inclusion are not optional; they are essential,” he said. “We must ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.” Reynaga reflected on this commitment, stating, “I do think there’s still significant work to be done in expanding access to resources, both on campus and in the broader Waterville community.”
As Greene concluded, he looked ahead with optimism. “Colby is not standing still,” he said. “We are investing in our campus, our programs, and our people to ensure that we remain a leader in higher education for decades to come.” He credited the College’s persistent success to the strength of its community: “The future of Colby is bright because it rests on the foundation of our students’ talents, our faculty’s dedication, and our community’s support.”
For many students, that message of balance, between change and continuity, progress and tradition, was what stood out most. “It was encouraging to see that the administration is being transparent about upcoming projects and intentional about how they’ll enhance the student experience,” Reynaga said.
As the audience filtered out of the Alumni Center that evening, the message was clear: The College is preparing to meet the challenges of the next decade head-on. Its path blends innovation with tradition, community engagement with academic challenge, and technological advancement with a commitment to the liberal arts. In Greene’s words, “Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead,” a reminder that the College’s evolution, like its community, is ongoing, for we are always in a state of change here on campus.
~ Mia Dinunzio `28
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