Dean's Messages Archive

Hello! As I reach the two-year mark as the dean of the College of Arts and Architecture, I want to personally wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. While I have had limited opportunities to meet with our alumni and friends in person, I have greatly enjoyed connecting with many of you on screens, by email, and in writing – and look forward to meeting more of you in person in the near future.

I think it’s safe to say that these past two years as dean of this amazing college have been unlike those of just about any other new dean. Despite the challenges, there have been many, MANY silver linings. As an alumnus and faculty member in this college, I already knew we had an amazing community here – inspiring students, resourceful and dedicated faculty and staff, and committed alumni and friends all around the world who so generously share their time and talents to support our college.

Over the past two years, I have also observed first-hand numerous examples of incredible resourcefulness, flexibility, and creativity, as well as gestures of generosity and kindness. Challenging situations can often bring out the “best” of who we are – alumni facilitating virtual internships and networking opportunities, donors stepping up to support new initiatives in our “current normal,” faculty adjusting their teaching modes and making accommodations to support students with varying needs, and staff working above and beyond expectations in an environment that brings large and small changes and challenges daily.

We have had a successful fall semester overall, with a return to in-person performances and other events following COVID-safe protocols, along with an array of virtual opportunities to accommodate different audiences. Those virtual opportunities – many of which we plan to continue – have been one of the “silver linings,” because they allow us to reach a wider audience than usual, and to do so on a more regular basis than before.

My recent mantra for the college has been “making possibilities possible,” so I want to close by saying YOU – our incredible College of Arts and Architecture community – are what make so many things possible, through your support, your time, your incredible ideas, and your commitment to seeing them to fruition.

I hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends in the coming weeks. Best wishes for a brighter 2022!