Dean's Welcome

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I’m delighted to welcome you to a new academic year—one filled with momentum, possibility, and purpose. Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to campus, thank you for choosing to learn, teach, discover, and serve in this community. Your energy is what turns goals into impact.  We’ve welcomed a new acting Campus President and soon our college’s search for a permanent dean will accelerate as the committee gets underway.

What’s ahead this year

  • Student success at the center. We’ve expanded Beach XP cohorts and have our first MOU for seamless Associate Degree Nursing students from LBCC to move into our online RN-to-BSN degree. We launched our new online B.S. in Criminal Justice and our new Doctorate in Public Health this fall.  Expect new success workshops, peer-led study groups, and streamlined access to student services.
  • Inclusive excellence in action. We’re deepening our commitment to belonging and equity through our faculty directors and our Beach 2030 initiatives.
  • Research and creative activity. From undergraduate projects to interdisciplinary teams, we’ll grow opportunities to ask big questions and pursue meaningful solutions. The CHHS Faculty Council has committed to a reimagining of our internal RSCA competition to streamline the application process, so look for information on that coming soon.
  • Community partnerships. We’re strengthening ties with local organizations, clinical sites, schools, and industry. These partnerships bring internships, practica, applied research, and service-learning that extend our mission beyond campus.  This summer we trained additional faculty on software such as S4 and EXAAT to better manage affiliation agreements and student learning outcomes.  At this fall’s convocation, we recognized our site preceptors and will continue to celebrate these important partners.
  • Responsible innovation. As new technologies—including AI—reshape our fields, we’ll focus on ethical use, academic integrity, accessibility, and digital literacy so that innovation serves learning, not the other way around.  I’ve appointed Dr. Jim Lott to be the AI coordinator for the college, and working with the Faculty Council, he will form an AI Task Force to help us navigate the world of AI this academic year.

Shared commitments

  • Be student-ready. Let’s meet learners where they are, with clear pathways, compassionate flexibility, and high standards that are transparent and supported.
  • Teach for impact. Active and experiential learning, inclusive course design, and timely feedback help every student grow. Small adjustments add up.
  • Collaborate across boundaries. The complex challenges of our time don’t respect departmental lines. Interprofessional and cross-disciplinary work will be a hallmark of the year.
  • Lead with respect. Our words and actions shape the culture. Assume positive intent, listen generously, and extend grace—especially when we disagree.
  • Care for each other. Check in on classmates and colleagues. Celebrate milestones. Ask for help early. Our Beach community is our greatest asset.

Gratitude

Thank you to the teams who prepared our classrooms, labs, clinics, and virtual spaces; to advisors and counselors who helped students map their paths; to faculty who redesigned syllabi and mentoring plans; and to student leaders who welcomed our newest community members. Your dedication makes our mission real.

As we begin, I invite you to set one intention: What is the impact you want to have by semester’s end? Write it down, share it with a friend or colleague, and let’s hold one another accountable with kindness and courage.

Here’s to a year of learning that transforms, research that matters, service that uplifts, and a campus culture where everyone belongs and can do their best work. I’m honored to serve alongside you as Interim Dean.

Warmly,

Grace Reynolds-Fisher

Interim Dean

College of Health & Human Services