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Nov. 2021, Issue 1
Dear Alumni and Friends,
I am writing to introduce myself as the new Dean of the College. Four months ago, I arrived in Alaska, from Montana and have been busy getting to know our programs and people. I am impressed with our inspirational faculty and dedicated staff. As I learn more about the amazing CAS stories, I am eager to share them with you - our alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, donors, champions, and community partners via this quarterly newsletter. I also encourage you to stay connected to CAS via our social media links below.
This year we will be focused more than ever on the student experience and in helping students fulfill their educational goal of obtaining a college degree. Student persistence is most directly tied to engagement and a feeling of being connected. This fall we established a fund called the CAS Student Success Support Fund to do just that. The fund is designed for broad use across the College to promote a wide range of student engagement activities, to strengthen our connection with CAS students, and provide opportunities for students to succeed.
We are also working on better explaining the value of an education and how it prepares students for the jobs of today and the jobs of the future. Critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, oral and written communication, and an ability to obtain and process information are the top skills employers are seeking. A broad-based education in the College of Arts and Sciences provides these life-long skills and prepares students for the future.
I look forward to connecting with you, to learn about your amazing story and your experience at UAA, and to hear your thoughts for the future. In this Dean’s Dispatch, we picked out a few of the many CAS Amazing Stories to highlight this fall - I hope you enjoy.
Best,
Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean
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