Photo by Joanne Smith

Penny Bishop

Dean’s Letter

Dear Alumni & Friends,

This summer, I moved to Boston to begin the next chapter in my career. It is both a thrill and a privilege that this next step is as dean of BU Wheelock.

There were many things that drew me to this new role, most importantly the opportunity to join with the rest of the BU Wheelock community in transforming the systems that impact learning and human development. Working toward a thriving, sustainable, and just future for all is an ambitious aim, and I’m inspired to be a part of it.

As I take this step, I’ve been strengthened by two things: a healthy dose of courage, followed by a great deal of trust. Courage to start anew in a new city at a new institution with new colleagues and new students. Trust that this was the right path forward—for me and, importantly, for BU Wheelock.

As BU Wheelock’s new dean, I am excited to learn about and support our many crucial programs, from counseling psychology to teacher preparation to early childhood education and more. I am also committed to learning about our alumni community, which is unique in so many wonderful ways—not the least of which is the way we weave together our diverse backgrounds, experiences, and connections.

I am energized by our faculty, staff, and students, who entered the halls of Boston University in September also fueled by courage and trust—courage to tackle another year of learning and teaching, and trust that BU Wheelock will support them in their academic and professional aspirations.

I value the many opportunities I have had already to connect with members of the BU Wheelock community, especially our alumni. I look forward to learning more about you and your hopes for BU Wheelock, and how we—sustained by courage and trust—can increase our college’s impact and preserve its legacy.