Dean's Message, December 2024

Dear College of Liberal Arts Community,

As we near the conclusion of the semester, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have collectively undertaken. Stepping into the role of permanent dean after serving as interim has been a remarkable experience, one that has filled me with gratitude and a great sense of purpose to support and promote our college.

In our time together, we have initiated the Bridge Plan, a collaborative effort born from the vision of our faculty. I am dedicated to not only implementing this plan but to ensuring that it serves as a cornerstone for our shared goals until the University Strategic Plan is completed. The Bridge Plan highlights our aspirations to foster innovative learning, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and position our college as a leader in addressing the complexities of contemporary society.  The engagement in this process from faculty and staff has already demonstrated our collective commitment to nurturing an environment where creative ideas can flourish.

The transition into this permanent role comes with both excitement and an immense responsibility to uphold the values we cherish as a community. In my previous positions at RIT, I learned that our strength lies with supporting each other. The relatively low faculty turnover rate is a testament to the supportive and vibrant environment we have cultivated. I aim to ensure we continue to build on this foundation, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every voice is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

For faculty and staff, as we look forward to the upcoming holiday season, I hope you will join us at the College of Liberal Arts holiday party on Tuesday, December 10, 3- 5 p.m. This gathering will be a wonderful chance to celebrate our achievements, connect with one another, and strengthen the sense of community that defines us. 

For students, I hope you will stop by the last Donuts with the Dean of the year Thursday, December 5, 12 - 1pm. Together, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work we have put in and the impact we have made on each other.

In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support and dedication. I am genuinely looking forward to what lies ahead. Our shared vision for the College of Liberal Arts is not merely a plan; it is a living reflection of our aspirations. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities and embracing innovation while remaining grounded in our commitment to the liberal arts.

Here’s to a successful conclusion to the semester and a positive start to the new year!

 Sincerely, 

Kelly Norris Martin, Ph.D.
Dean, RIT College of Liberal Arts