Remarks from the Dean- Winter 2020
Happy New Year!
Welcome to our inaugural Arts & Sciences newsletter. I am looking forward to sharing good news and the latest developments from our college with you, and I hope that you will enjoy exploring the various stories and information I’ll share periodically.
The new year is a special time: it’s a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals and re-assess and recalibrate ongoing interests. Looking forward to the new year, I’d like to reflect on some of our accomplishments and share our plans for the future.
Kent State University welcomed nationally recognized neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Michael Lehman, PhD as the new director of the Brain Health Institute. He, along with his wife Lique Coolen, PhD; also a noted neuroscientist, lead a multidisciplinary team of faculty and student researchers in conducting innovative research on all aspects of brain function. Their research covers a variety of topics from neurodegenerative disease to the causes of dementia and so much more. To learn more about their research visit: https://www.kent.edu/kent/news/success/kent-state-names-michael-n-lehma…
We also welcomed Neil Cooper, PhD, to lead the recently established School of Peace and Conflict Studies. Cooper who hails from the United Kingdom, is an internationally recognized expert on conflict resolution, and has already brought immense energy and global awareness to our program. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the events of May 4, 1970, Dr. Cooper will play a significant role in giving voice to the insights, recollections and lingering questions from our community and around the world. To know more about Neil Cooper and the School of Peace and Conflict students visit: https://www.kent.edu/kent/news/neil-cooper-named-inaugural-director-ken…
Our Faculty are on the cutting edge of research and innovation: generating 79% of all research funding awarded to the University in 2019. I am proud to note that our faculty members include our students—both undergraduate and graduate—in their work not only to provide them with practical experience, but also to inspire the next generation of academics, corporate and government researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs.
Finally, I’d like to thank so many of our beloved faculty members who have retired over the past year. While there are too many list in this newsletter, I encourage you to reach out to your department(s) to catch up on the latest regarding your favorite professor.
Viewing the Year Ahead With 2020 Vision
A&S boasts excellent academic programs that reflect the interests of students and are relevant to the 21st century marketplace—as employees look for specific soft and hard skills. We are preparing students to be global citizens through our study abroad and study away programs; providing our students with opportunities to gain experience and learn in 13 countries and 21 separate programs. Our students and faculty are participating in important national civic conversations both in the classroom and in the public arena.
Over the next year my team and I will continue working to create a college community in which all students feel included and empowered and encourage our students to fully participate in the university experience: internships, travel abroad, research projects and conferences. We will continue to support A&S faculty to stimulate the free forum of ideas and support their research, writing, and producing our most important product—well educated and productive graduates. Finally, as alumni of this college I want to hear from you—your interests, accomplishments, ideas and concerns.
As I am clear-eyed about the goals and the challenges ahead, I am looking forward to 2020 and all of the optimism each new year brings. I hope you will join me: the best is yet to come.