A Message from the Interim Dean

To the CoLA Community, 

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on together during this semester. As your  Interim Dean, I am honored to share in the excitement as well as the challenges that have defined our collective experience over the past few months.

Our engagement with one another has extended beyond the classroom through a series of dean’s informational meetings, student events such as the Welcome Back Bash in September and inspiring performances by our dance, music, and theater students, research mixers, and new program director gatherings.

These forums have played a crucial role in fostering open communication and aligning our goals for the future. Through these dialogues, we've been able to collectively shape the vision of our college and to strengthen the bonds that unite us.

As I mentioned in the last faculty meeting, our college will also have an opportunity to further identify and clarify priorities in the short term, through a “bridge” or transition plan, which I hope all faculty will have a hand in. Early in the new year, I will be inviting you to participate through a variety of channels. By clearly articulating our priorities during our bridge period, we can help ensure a solid transition to permanent leadership and an intentional framework for next fall and beyond.

I’d also like to congratulate our community on the transformative interdisciplinary courses that CoLA faculty offered in the new SHED space. These courses were designed collaboratively by diverse faculty, and they exemplified our commitment to dynamic, current, and deeply grounded educational experiences.

Our newly designed open houses, which featured student and faculty panels, likewise provided an intimate platform for showcasing the exceptional talent within our community. As well, this semester saw the inaugural performance in the Sklarsky Glass Box Theatre, and the newest iteration of the Fram Signature Speaker Series, which showcased our strong standing in an impressive  range of disciplines. We saw  the groundbreaking of the RIT Music Performance Theater, we got to do our research in the newly expanded Wallace Library. We also proudly witnessed the intense popularity of our own Expressive Communication Center. 

In celebrating our accomplishments and future goals, we must also recognize the challenges that have marked this academic year. The loss of RIT students and the ongoing search for Matthew Grant, and our mourning of truly beloved colleagues and retirees have deeply impacted our community, reminding us of the importance of supporting one another during difficult times. As we deal with our losses, let us also draw strength from our shared resilience and commitment to creating a supportive and compassionate environment for everyone.

In addition to our challenges here in Rochester,  news of international political unrest and societal turbulence is on our minds and hearts. I genuinely believe that in this environment, our commitment to fostering critical thinking and empathy is more vital than ever. The liberal arts education we provide equips our students with the skills and perspectives they will need to navigate an ever-changing world. As we approach the new year, let us carry forward the lessons learned, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue working together to build a community that embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the College of Liberal Arts. I am truly honored to serve as your interim dean and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating holiday season.

Yours,

Kelly