Interesting Times
The Dean's Musings
This article was originally published in the September 1999 issue of CLASnotes.
Hard upon us now is the ancient curse—to live in interesting times. Personally, I wouldn't mind an occasional bout of boredom around the office, but this doesn't seem to be the year. Though we are currently beset with academic distractions, it is well remembered that the University of Florida is a very strong organization that has experienced unexpected change in the past and become stronger in the process. We should expect no less from ourselves now.
As we begin this last academic year of the century and the millennium (depending on how one counts), the College does have many strengths to draw upon. I hope that, as we accommodate the leadership transition, 1999-2000 will be remembered as a year of:
- A terrific class of new faculty, about 35 strong, with impeccable credentials. We welcome them to an already impressive faculty that will benefit from the ideas and expertise of the newcomers. Few things are more important for CLAS than the continued enhancement of the faculty.
- A record number of new, outstanding students. Over the past decade, we have come to expect ever more and better undergraduate students, and even though in principle their enrollment has been "capped," this year sees a rise in freshman, a fact already apparent to faculty who teach lower division courses. But the bigger news this Fall is the significant increase in graduate students and the associated expansion of our doctoral programs. We are moving toward a better balance between the undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The University Scholars Program (USP). This issue of CLASnotes features the USP, a university-wide Provost's initiative that has drawn about twice as many students and mentors as had originally been expected. A new on-line Journal of Undergraduate Research will document the success of the program.
- The renovation of two major CLAS buildings. Soon to appear in the historic North campus district will be more classrooms, more offices, and renewed architectural integrity in the form of the fully renovated Anderson Hall and Keene-Flint Hall. Actually, 1999-2000 for both buildings will be the year of ugly construction fences, trucks, and debris, but just wait till late Fall, 2000.
- CLAS Success in the Capital Campaign. Even with the 50% increase in our campaign goal, we should still be able to reach the new $45 million target, given the skill and energy of our Development team. And as one indication of how important I view private fund raising for the future of CLAS, we are hiring a third Development officer, who will help us reach even more of our over 57,000 globally dispersed alumni.
- A large faculty hiring initiative. Because of retirements, departures, special opportunities, and expanding programs, it is essential that CLAS recruit 45-50 new faculty for 2000-2001. Included in this initiative will be the identification of several program heads who will play important roles in the broad education offered by CLAS.
- More and more computers. We will continue our concerted efforts to keep up with the technology needs of our faculty and the curriculum. My wish to the Gods of Computing is that they might finally produce a computer without a built-in three-year obsolescence clock.
- New UF leadership. While change can be unsettling, it is also quite natural. The entire academic community (and beyond) will be eager to see what new pathways are charted for this flagship university. And no matter what may be politic to say elsewhere, UF is the flagship.
So despite a somewhat nervous start to this new academic year, there are many reasons to anticipate a quite successful completion of this millennium and a running start on the next one. Y2K permitting, of course.
