In challenging times, our deepest values are tested and revealed. Much has changed in the College of Arts and Science during the past two years of the global pandemic, but the things we value most—our commitment to excellent teaching and research, our relationships with our alumni and friends—remain the same.
This year has special significance for me because it will be my last as dean of the College of Arts and Science. June 30 marks the end of my seven-year tenure as dean.
It has been a privilege to help lead this vast and vibrant college. As I return to full-time research and teaching in the Department of Biology, I will know that the future of the college is bright.
In the coming months and years, you will see the College of Arts and Science introduce innovative new ways to empower our students, scientists, scholars and artists. With help from our donors, we anticipate building greater investment in our researchers and their vitally important work. Our students can look forward to new scholarships and bursaries, increased support for experiential learning, and the creation of exciting new certificate programs each year.
I have always believed that the College of Arts and Science can and must play an important role in our country’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Our college saw progress this year in ways both large and small—from our science outreach instructors bringing Cree language into Saskatoon science classrooms, to our new knowledge-sharing agreement with Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation. Guided by the participation and partnership of Indigenous peoples and communities, we will continue taking steps toward reconciliation.
Serving as dean of the College of Arts and Science has been a life-changing experience for which I will always be grateful. Meeting with you, our alumni and donors, on campus and at events around the world was one of the things I enjoyed most.
Thank you for your continuing support of our students and the work of the college. I hope you will always feel you have a home in the College of Arts and Science.