August 26, 2020
Dear Warrior Families,
As we prepare to embark on this most unprecedented year at Army and Navy Academy, I want to convey how excited Karen and I and the entire Academy are about finally getting your young men back on campus. The Academy is buzzing with activity as the Faculty, TACs and Staff prepare for their arrival.
I also want to convey to you that this is a particularly poignant time for Karen and me. A few years ago, as I was negotiating my next contract, I informed the Board of Trustees that I would likely not pursue an extension on that two-year contract. Recently, after much deliberate thought, consideration and reflection, I notified the Board of our decision to retire from Army and Navy Academy at the end of my current contract, the 2020-2021 School Year, as planned. The seven plus years we will have been here are the most Karen and I have spent in one place in our married lives and they have been amazing! But at this time in our lives, while we are still healthy and vital enough, we are looking forward to being able to spend more quality time with our children and grandchildren.
We love this Academy! We have experienced the palpable passion for these young men from every constituency – it’s what drew us here in the first place.
I am proud of what our Team continues to accomplish – the planning, organizational culture and climate that have come together to produce our incredible product. The statement that our Cadets are our credentials has always been true, but today, I believe that more than ever and I am proud to be a part of that effort.
Army and Navy Academy changes young men’s lives – transforms them – and in a way, it has transformed us – we have a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice it takes from the “village” to educate, mentor and develop good character and leadership in these young men and I believe Karen and I have contributed to that endeavor.
The Board of Trustees has a strong, well thought-out plan to search for and find the best individual to be the next President and rest assured, I will be there every step of the way. I promise you we will not be taking our feet off the gas, we WILL “finish strong!!”
Please know that Karen and I remain Warrior Proud, Warrior Strong, and Warrior Grateful!!
Most Respectfully,
MG Arthur Bartell, US Army (Retired)
President
Army and Navy Academy