Arts & Sciences Magazine

PHOTO BY DOUG LEVY

I hope you enjoy reading the fall 2021 issue of arts&sciences magazine. The stories illustrate the exciting, innovative, and far-ranging pursuits of our faculty, students, and alumni. You’ll see updates about our ongoing investments in supporting an inclusive and diverse community—including the hiring of an inaugural associate dean for diversity and inclusion, Vincent L. Stephens—and our expansion of experiential learning opportunities with the launch of an exciting new research internship program in the social sciences. In the features section, you’ll read about the distinctive interdisciplinary approaches our alumni and faculty are bringing to their work, whether integrating the humanities into the training of new doctors; combining public health, anthropology, and computer science to fight climate-related food insecurity; or mixing business acumen, environmental studies training, and social work experience to create a farm-based vocational program for young adults with a neurodevelopmental disorder. And there’s research you may be able to apply in your own life, too, with parenting and childhood development tips from experts in our department of psychological and brain sciences.

Our plan builds on the tremendous achievements of Arts & Sciences, articulates the priorities for the community we are today and hope to be tomorrow, and gives us a common purpose and direction. Our vision is grounded in our arts and sciences roots.

The articles in this issue also illustrate many of the integral themes shaping the new Strategic Plan for Arts & Sciences. As Boston University sets its direction for 2030, Arts & Sciences has embarked on a parallel process of articulating our vision for the future and developing a plan to reach that vision. Our plan builds on the tremendous achievements of Arts & Sciences, articulates the priorities for the community we are today and hope to be tomorrow, and gives us a common purpose and direction. Our vision is grounded in our arts and sciences roots. The breadth and depth of Arts & Sciences across disciplines enables us to tackle pressing issues and enduring questions from a multitude of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our liberal education ensures our students have the foundations to apply critical thinking, persuasive writing, evidence-based analysis, and an appreciation of history and the human condition in our rapidly changing world. Our vision is also anchored in how we work together as a community—pursuing interdisciplinary research, creating student networks of connection and opportunity, and productive partnerships with our Boston community and across the globe. In looking forward, we are embracing how our distinctive approach to research and education positions our graduates to be agile thinkers, skilled communicators, and imaginative problem solvers.

It has been a demanding 18-month process to consider these questions about our future, especially while addressing the unique daily challenges that the pandemic has brought. However, the opportunity to look forward and debate the vibrant future for Arts & Sciences has been invigorating and inspiring. It is a testament to our community that everyone has been eager to participate in this process. I think you will be excited by our vision for the future. We are in the final stages of consultation with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. More information about the plan and its process can be found at bu.edu/cas/about/strategic-planning.

It is always a pleasure to share the tremendous impact that our students, faculty, and alumni are having in the world. Despite the many uncertainties we face in our world today, the Arts & Sciences community has proven it is resilient and strong. We have great accomplishments to acknowledge and bold plans to deliver. I hope you’ll join us at upcoming Arts & Sciences events, including the Arts & Sciences Lecture Series. Stay well and be safe.