Letter from the Dean

There is something exciting about new beginnings. Preparing for my new role as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has made me think a lot about my introduction to this campus. I was still in my 20s (barely) when I interviewed for an assistant professor position in the Department of Psychology. It was one of those rare and magical days when the snow-capped Cascades and Olympics, and the sun reflected on the water, really made it look like “the Emerald City.” Having grown up in Florida, where the tallest point cannot even be called a hill, I stood in Red Square looking down Rainier Vista in awe.

But as much as I was drawn in by the scenery, I came to the UW because of the vibrant intellectual community I encountered here, both in my conversations with faculty and with students. A product of a traditional liberal arts education—I double majored in English and psychology, with minors in history and philosophy— I looked forward to taking my place within the College of Arts
and Sciences. Given my research on adolescent mental health, the presence of a strong medical school within an easy walk was also an attraction. By the end of my visit here, I knew that if offered
the position I would come, and I could not have made a better choice.

In my time here I have collaborated on articles, grants, or major projects with colleagues in the Colleges or Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Public Health, and Social Work, while drawing my primary sustenance from the College of Arts and Sciences, where I have homes in
two departments—Psychology in the natural sciences, and American Ethnic Studies in the social sciences. My graduate and undergraduate students have also profited from the breadth inside the College, and from how that breadth is multiplied by the many partnerships possible across the University at large. A strong liberal arts environment within a community of equally strong professional and more applied units allows for the best of both worlds—discovery at the core, surrounded by and in proximity to
the arenas in which those discoveries will often become solutions and applications.

Soon after you receive this issue of A&S Perspectives, I will begin my role as the new dean of Arts and Sciences, following the capable leadership of Ron Irving. The next few months will be a time to re-examine the vision and goals the College developed a decade ago when David Hodge began his first term as dean, both to see where we’ve made significant progress and where considerable improvement is still needed. We will also contemplate where a change in course may be desirable and where new opportunities have emerged.

With this in mind, and in preparation for my first full year as dean, I plan to spend spring quarter engaged in conversations and exchanges with our chairs, our College Council, with faculty, staff, and student colleagues, and with you, our alumni and friends. So please don’t hesitate to contact me at casdean@u.washington.edu with suggestions, ideas, or critiques.

In mapping out new directions and next steps, I will no doubt draw upon the experiences and insights I’ve gained over my 22 years here. I hope to take a fresh look at the College, and its place within this wonderful University, with the same excitement and fresh eyes I had on that clear winter morning when I first stood breathless in Red Square.

Ana Mari Cauce
Dean
casdean@u.washington.edu

Return to Table of Contents, Winter-Spring 2008