Message from the Dean

August 26, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Students,

Welcome to a new academic year!

The Klingler College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of Marquette University. Our faculty members are dedicated teacher-scholars who focus on student success. We work across disciplines to create an integrated experience—in classes and beyond—for all members of our community. We strive to foster diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging. And we prepare students for a life well lived.

These are long-standing attributes of our college. They will serve us well during this academic year, which presents special challenges. We continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic. We continue to respond to racial injustice. Our Catholic, Jesuit mission and principles will guide us in this ongoing work.

Arts and Sciences faculty members have been involved in Marquette’s COVID conversations podcast and in the COVID-19 Research Initiative. In my June message to the college, I highlighted statements on racial injustice authored or signed by members of the Marquette community. To those let me add a call to action by Directors of African Studies at Catholic Universities, co-signed by Dr. Chima Korieh, Director of Marquette’s Africana Studies Program.

In addition to these public activities and statements of solidarity, what can we do to nurture our community during these turbulent times? I call upon all of us—faculty, staff and students—to support one another. Let’s check in with colleagues and classmates, listen deeply and demonstrate compassion. Recent months have brought new and intensified stress. We know that students have faced uncertainty and struggle just to be here. Our faculty and staff have been working tirelessly all summer long to get ready for the new year. Please take care of one another.

Part of that care means reaching across differences—of background, of identity, of perspective—to strengthen our community. Ask for help. Ask how you can help.

This year, I challenge all of us to get involved and be the difference.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Heidi Bostic
Dean, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences

Watch Dr. Bostic's Message