Season's greetings to members of the CCAS community!
As we approach the close of 2025, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each of you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to advancing our collective mission and for the hard work that serves to strengthen the foundation of our college community.
This past year has brought significant shifts in the landscape of higher education; however, the college’s commitment to the core values of a transformative liberal arts education remains as strong as ever. The points of pride are many, but the bottom line is this: Our students graduate prepared to become the next generation of innovators, scholars and leaders equipped with the knowledge, creativity and critical thinking skills needed to address the challenges of our time.
Looking ahead, I am energized by the priorities that guide us. These include advancing an engaged learning environment that equips students to thrive and succeed; fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that draws on diverse perspectives; embracing emerging technologies to accelerate discovery and research; and cultivating a campus culture grounded in empathy, civil discourse and inclusivity.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year to connect with faculty, staff, students and alumni. These interactions remind me of the extraordinary work happening across our campus community and beyond.
In this season of gratitude, I wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season, and a bright and successful year ahead!
Warm regards,
Paul Wahlbeck
Dean, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences