As we enter the second week of classes, on behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences, I extend my best wishes for a successful and rewarding semester. I’d like to extend a special welcome to our new faculty, staff, and students. Illinois State University is a special place, and I hope you will feel as professionally fulfilled here as I have been. To returning members of our college, thank you for your excellent work and dedication to Illinois State University. Your considerable talent and abilities and your willingness to use them for the benefit of Illinois State students are the primary reasons that this college continues to reach new heights of excellence.

I hope that you will join me at the fall Dean’s Address and Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, at 3:30 p.m. in the Old Main Room in the Bone Student Center. New faculty members will be introduced at that time. Another event that promises to be invigorating is the fall Main Street College event. Titled “When You Say Nothing At All: How Candidates Win Elections by Shunning Issues,” and presented by Professor Kerri Milita of the Department of Politics and Government, the event promises to be an especially timely look at the reluctance of candidates to take a clear stand on controversial issues. Both of these events are open to the public, and I look forward to having an opportunity to visit with each of you then.

As the semester gets underway, please know that my door is always open. Together, I am confident that we will more than meet any challenges that we might face.