Orange Alert

From the Dean's Desk

Lois Agnew, Gretchen Ritter and David Van Slyke posing for a photo

Welcome, everyone!

Posted on: Aug. 31, 2022

Although I’ve spent much of my life in Oklahoma and Texas and am familiar with heat, I am starting to look forward to the brisk and colorful days of a Central New York autumn!

Nidaa Aljabbarin on the steps leading up to Crouse College.

What It’s Like to Be a Refugee

Posted on: March 29, 2022

As we anxiously watch the events unfolding in Europe, countless people continue to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. This has happened too often in recent memory, and it touches us all, including students in A&S. I’m writing today to share an interview featuring A&S student Nidaa Aljabbarin ’22 . Nidaa, a biology major and Syrian refugee, was one of three people interviewed recently by National Public Radio (NPR) about what it’s like to be a refugee.

Syracuse Uniniversity campus in winter with snow on the ground.

What Are You Hopeful For This Year?

Posted on: Jan. 24, 2022

Welcome back to campus! I hope you were able to rest and recharge over the break. There are a lot of new things happening that I’m excited to share, but not before first acknowledging the toll that this relentless pandemic is taking on all of us. Today my message is about hope—not Panglossian hope, but realistic hope that keeps moving toward a faint glimmer at the end of the tunnel.

Welcoming Back Our Alumni

Posted on: Oct. 29, 2021

During this Orange Central reunion weekend, I ask you to reflect on the importance and meaning of our alumni family.

The Hall of Languages with red flowers in the foreground.

Fall Priorities

Posted on: Aug. 30, 2021

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to a new fall semester and to the campus life we’ve been looking forward to.

Statement on the Chauvin Trial Verdict

Posted on: April 21, 2021

Yesterday justice was served. In finding Derek Chauvin guilty of manslaughter, second-degree murder and third-degree murder in the death of George Floyd, the jury sent a clear message that police brutality and systemic racism in law enforcement—and all society—must be punished and eradicated in our country.

Campus Climate Survey

Posted on: April 12, 2021

Dear A&S students, faculty and staff,

Recently our campus received the results of the Campus Climate Pulse Survey. Led by Dr. Damon Williams of the University of Wisconsin’s Equity & Inclusion Laboratory, the findings conveyed a stark and distressing reality: large numbers of our community feel marginalized, unsupported, and alone.

Statement of Solidarity

Posted on: March 19, 2021

I can only start this message by saying that my heart goes out to the Asian and Asian American members of our community. As a dean and as a person, I stand with you.

Two hawks, one in flight as it leaves the nest.

Courage to Fly

Posted on: March 17, 2021

Something I look forward to every spring is the return of the red-tailed hawks to campus. I’m happy to report that SU-Sue and Otto have recently been spotted in their aerie atop Lyman Hall, and that the College is again offering its live feed of the popular pair’s nest.

Time to Spring Into Action

Posted on: Feb. 8, 2021

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, the World Health Organization had just announced the emergence of the novel coronavirus, and the U.S. presidential election seemed a far way off.

The Words of 2020

Posted on: Dec. 16, 2020

When I sat down to write this holiday message, I struggled at first. How could I convey hope and gratitude against the backdrop of this year’s unthinkable challenges? How would I find the right words, when so much had been “wrong?” 

Unmasking an Opportunity

Posted on: Aug. 26, 2020

From the swell of the pandemic to the roar of the Black Lives Matter movement, these past six months away from campus have afforded us a precious and historic opportunity to examine our individual vulnerabilities and responsibilities.

A Message to the A&S Community

Posted on: June 4, 2020

In his 1972 book No Name in the Street, the late author and activist James Baldwin wrote: “Well, if one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected – those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! – and listens to their testimony.”

Illustration of a brain with monochrome left side surrounded by science icons , the right side in rainbow surrounded by arts icons.

Strong Signals

Posted on: April 30, 2020

As we wind down this unusual semester, I am heartened by the incredible work in A&S that continues in all our departments.

In this together

Posted on: March 26, 2020

The liberal arts give us timeless resources for coping in the forms of philosophy, literature, science, art, music, religion, and so much more.

Spring Break and Remote Instruction

Posted on: March 13, 2020

As we head into spring break and a period of remote instruction, I want to acknowledge the uncertainty that we collectively face —and offer you some reassurance.

Reconsidering "Undecided"

Posted on: Oct. 8, 2019

You’ve probably heard the expression “context is key.” One of my favorite examples concerns the word undecided.