Letter from the Dean

In this report, you’ll see students engaging in research and learning that is expanding their way of thinking and enhancing their career objectives. Behind all this modernization are a faculty dedicated to examining the newest teaching methods and taking the role of mentoring to higher levels. The experiences of students in the Applied Research and Education Center are just one example among many provided here.

Our graduate programming increased too, which is enabling our students to serve and grow in Southern Indiana. This edition features two stories about the experiences of our students in the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Master of Interdisciplinary Studies programs.

We remain committed to sharing the value of higher education with the community. Not only are health and career outcomes better for those who attend college, but higher education plays a critical role in our democracy. Over the past year, the School of Social Sciences created a new Civic Engagement Initiative to bring civic education to the community, on campus, and in Southern Indiana. We’ve also maintained our commitment to charitable organizations like the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana.

Of course, we’re not all about innovations here. We recognize that much of what we’ve been doing needs to stay just the way it is even though many of us are dedicated to uncovering new ways of thinking and knowing in our fields. By taking a look at our alumni and student profiles, you’ll see our strength has always been in our compassion and commitment to students.

I’m always eager to hear from our alumni, who are finding new and meaningful ways to connect to the newest generation. Please reach out if you’d like to find ways to get involved. And mark you calendars for our next alumni event on October 17, 2019.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Ryan

Dean, School of Social Sciences