Dean’s Letter
Reflection requires discipline and intentionality.
As I embark on my second five-year term as dean, I’ve come to appreciate the annual tradition of writing this letter, taking time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our community over the past year.
Reflection has been a key theme for us as we continue developing the Experiential Learning Connector, a new resource that helps undergraduates connect their education to real-world experiences. As part of this program, students engage in meaningful reflection on the skills they gain from internships, study abroad, leadership roles, and other experiences. The alumna who generously provided a $2.5 million founding gift for the Connector shared her desire for such reflection during her studies. It took her several years to realize how the skills she learned as a student applied to her career. The Connector equips and empowers our students to do this now.
Reflection requires discipline and intentionality. For me, it often happens during weekday walks with colleagues along the Charles River Esplanade, or during solitary weekend walks on the trails of the Blue Hills or the beaches and dunes of Cape Cod. And, as I reflect on my first term, I’m proud of our progress. In addition to the Connector, we launched the Center for Innovation in Social Science (featured in this issue). We developed an expanded charter for the Center for the Humanities, we inaugurated the Society of Fellows, we established the CAS Diversity & Inclusion Office, and we launched new programs to develop and recognize our staff. We have also recruited more than 150 faculty, some of whom you’ll meet in this issue.
In the following pages, you’ll discover how our faculty are working across disciplines to address important challenges—from forensic research on the slave trade to environmental studies—and innovating with projects that incorporate AI and enhance online security. You’ll see how our students are actively applying their education, from tracking emissions to examining how comedians bring visibility to marginalized communities, and how we are building bridges with the world outside the academy—from art exhibits to community gardens.
Over the past year, I’ve enjoyed meeting alumni and parents at events across the US, Asia, and Europe. In September, we inaugurated our new president, Dr. Melissa Gilliam. This was an inspiring moment, bringing our extended community together to celebrate our history and future as an outstanding institution. As I reflect on the past five years and look ahead, I see that we are in a position where we can make a meaningful difference—in students’ lives, in local communities, and in the world.
Stan Sclaroff
Dean of Arts & Sciences