Dear LAS Faculty and Staff,
Happy first day of classes, everyone!
Today we begin once more the great experiment of another academic year, as we collect a community of curious minds whose bold questions, new ideas, and hope for the future energize our campus. It is exciting to see how all across LAS, we are embracing innovation with energy and purpose, finding new ways to strengthen our research, support our students, and prepare our academic programs for the future.
A few semesters ago, we began sharing updates about progress across key elements of activity across the college, what we call Areas of Innovation. Click through to learn more about how the college addresses new opportunities through our Trusted Innovation in AI initiative, Coordinated Student Success, Revitalizing Academic Programs, and Enrollment Accelerator. I am particularly looking forward to the activities of our newest Board of Regent’s approved center, the Center for Cyclone Civics, as they have planned a series of events to inform the campus and celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.
As you can see, there’s plenty to be proud about. At the same time, there is plenty of work ahead of us. We all know that the budget and enrollment challenges facing higher education—and LAS—are real. But I am encouraged by the direction of our efforts seen in last year’s overall college budget. It is an example of what we can accomplish when we combine creativity, collaboration, and our shared commitment to the mission of this college. The sense of possibility is especially a part of this academic year as we welcome new leadership to the LAS team: Dan Nettleton as associate dean for finance and operations, and Brad Dell as interim associate dean for strategic innovation.
Please join me in welcoming them and in thanking all of our faculty and staff for the extraordinary work you do every day. Let’s make this a fall of bold ideas, meaningful connections, student success, and a little Cyclone fun along the way. Go Cyclones!
Ben
Benjamin C. Withers, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Professor of History