November 20, 2014

We, the undersigned current students and alumnae of Simmons School of Management (SOM) MBA Program, wish to state that Mary M. Dutkiewicz, Associate Dean, Administration and Academic Programs, has been vital in our recruitment, learning, retention, and success within the program. We ask that she be retained in her current role.

We want to share our perspective regarding the value Mary adds to the SOM program. It is our experience that Mary’s leadership has consistently been aligned with the mission, vision, and strategy of the SOM. She exemplifies the “Principled Leadership” qualities that are at the center of the SOM’s mission and what we are taught within the program, and further strive to embody.

The Simmons College administration would be remiss to release Mary from her position. Moreover, we would like to assert Mary’s vital role in the careers of the students at Simmons and we stand in alliance with her today.

Capabilities and qualities Mary brings Simmons SOM:

• -Able to connect and support a wide-range of students within the program as a tireless champion and advocate for all students

• -Positive promotion of the SOM as a passionate and articulate cheerleader

• -Commitment to understanding each student’s unique situation and seeks a win-win solution for their success

• -Ability to reach across the organization at different levels on behalf of students

• -Extends communication beyond office hours and responds efficiently to students’ concerns

• -Reaches out proactively, checking in with the entire active student body, to ensure that no students fall through the crack or are left out of the loop

• -Continuous assessment of students’ needs and creation of action plans to meet those needs

• -Identifies resources for students to achieve objectives

• -Creates a student-centered environment by demonstrating leadership in student engagement

• -Encourages students to achieve their full personal best and leadership potential by offering opportunities and following through with them

• -Keeps everything in the utmost confidence.  She is completely trustworthy and, therefore, extremely effective.

• -Effectively represents the SOM to the campus, alumni and external communities

• -Possesses deep, historical knowledge of the SOM and the changing face of students over time

• -Understands and has finesse with the myriad of elements that her position requires, such as making complex schedules, interfacing with people at all levels of the organization with a variety of stated and implicit needs and agendas

• -Exhibits open and honest communication which strengthens the quality of service she provides to students

Mary is the heart and backbone of Simmons School of Management. Our experience as students has been deeply enriched by her unwavering commitment, enthusiasm and support. Her reach extends far beyond her fifteen years of congratulating graduates.  Mary is an absolute asset to the SOM and broader Simmons community, and we believe letting her go in this fashion tarnishes the SOM name and reputation for principled leadership. We would like to engage in a dialogue about the direction that the SOM is taking and have an opportunity to further voice our support of Mary and her impact on the Simmons community. We appreciate you receiving our concerns and hope they are heard with the love of Simmons SOM with which they are written.