Dean's Blog: Embracing change in the spring 2025 semester

At the start of the spring 2025 semester, we look across the seas of change to identify opportunities. Some excite and encourage, while others may be unsettling, frustrating, or even close to undoing. I encourage each of us to embrace the changing landscape when and where we can, riding this change when possible with a firm and confident grip on the reigns. And when you can’t...we are here for you.

Members of our Mason Science community may not have all the answers, yet we can and will face our collective futures together, allowing our intellect, curiosity, compassion, scientific abilities, and creativity to bring energy and bold thinking, question what is needed, and recognize new opportunities as we seek to bring forward what could be.

In the coming year, change at the college level of which we have spoken is now upon us. We seek to complete our administrative assessment, allowing us to establish new processes and organizational structures to help us optimize operations and create new opportunities for growth; we will measure progress and set collective goals through our strategic planning process; select a new dean for the college, bringing forth a vision for our future; and work diligently through the grand challenges our university community has identified where we believe we possess the greatest ability to make positive change and impact. 

I encourage each of us to consider characterizations of change from bold thinkers of our past and present. Consider views of change that resonate with you and keep them close to motivate and fortify you when times may be uncertain or challenging. These characterizations may bring you comfort or fan an internal fire of courage needed to forge forward.

This one resonates with me. I hope it inspires you too.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  ~ Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist, author, and speaker

Get ready to pursue ways to make your life and the lives of others better. 

We will do this, together.

~ Cody