The College of Arts and Sciences is everywhere—or so it seems. Visit a local elementary school and you may see A&S students helping with a project. On the radio, our faculty share their expertise on world politics, scientific advances, and other issues. At community events, experienced A&S staff may be among the organizers.

	David Hodge

This issue of A&S Perspectives is filled with articles highlighting the College’s participation in the community. Undergraduates in dance and art history, for example, have been visiting elementary schools to assist with a Pacific Northwest Ballet program in the schools. And the UW World Series, which brings renowned performers to campus, is increasingly sharing its visiting artists with the larger community through local residencies.

When drama students performed at the Seattle Children’s Theatre in a production of The Outsiders, directed by A&S alumna and SCT artistic director Linda Hartzell, they were part of an exciting collaboration that broke new ground for the UW and SCT.

Sometimes our presence is less visible. When you check out the weather forecast, for example, you are benefiting from research being done in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, which maintains close contact with the National Weather Service to improve forecasting accuracy.

Just as the College has stretched its physical boundaries, it has removed other boundaries that have proven limiting. Most notably, long-standing A&S departments have joined together to create new, more effective academic units. Four such reorganizations have occurred in the past three years, involving nine departments. The process has been exciting and challenging for all involved, as faculty have had the chance to rethink and address the needs of their discipline
in the twenty-first century. I continue to be impressed by the dedication of those who have worked to build these new departments.

Finally, I am saddened to share the loss of one of our exceptional alumni, astronaut Michael Anderson, who perished in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy in February. I had the honor of meeting Michael a few years ago when he returned to campus to talk with faculty and students in the Department of Physics. Michael’s visit was an inspiration to the students—and me. He exemplified the qualities we hope to instill in all A&S students: curiosity, dedication, and citizenship. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

David Hodge
Dean
206-543-5340
hodge@u.washington.edu

[Winter/Spring 2003 - Table of Contents]