Going the distance

The Boston Marathon's most electric moment comes near the end, around mile 25.8: right on Hereford, left on Boylston. The final 900 meters stretch like eternity, but it's there: everything the athletes have trained for, pushed for and earned.

Laura A. Carlson feels most alive at the race's beginning. "It doesn't matter who you are, what your title is," said the veteran marathoner. "You have the same goal. You're part of something bigger."

As the University of Delaware's 29th president, Carlson is creating that culture of purpose and inclusion. She calls it "OurUD," a simple idea, radical in execution, that a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant institution in the nation's second-smallest state can embody its collective values through its people. Individuals do incredible work, she knows, because she's seen it firsthand. But the finish line feels closest when everyone moves in step.

Already, she's created space for people to gather and connect: craft circles in her presidential residence, in-person town halls, virtual office hours, a weekly Prez Run where Blue Hens hit the pavement beside her.