January 13, 2026
Dear A&S faculty and staff,
Welcome to the spring semester! This is an exciting time for the College and the University as we build on our strengths and embrace new and innovative opportunities.
As we start the spring semester, I’m looking forward to receiving your input on the University’s Great Schools initiative. Please share your ideas with your department chair, if you haven’t already, so that together we can shape the College’s future as we strive toward continued improvement and excellence.
The College will be hosting several engagement activities for students this semester, including our popular CAS Takes Over the Rat event. I’m also pleased to announce that the College has hired a new assistant director of internships and external partnerships, Amarylis Wallace, who will be facilitating and promoting internships for our students.
This week, we are welcoming former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to campus to co-teach a political science course and participate in other academic activities. He is joining us as a Provost’s Visiting Lecturer and Distinguished Arts & Sciences Scholar. We are very excited to be able to offer this unique learning opportunity for our students.
This is also a dynamic semester for the arts. In February, we are opening a new art gallery on campus, and in May, the Lowe Art Museum will celebrate Afro-Cuban contributions to Cuban art through the “El Pasado Mío/My Own Past” exhibition.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Powered by You survey—the College had a higher participation rate this year than in years past. I truly appreciate your feedback, and I’m carefully considering it as we continue working together to improve the College.
Lastly, like all of you, I’m proud of our exceptional student-athletes. I’m looking forward to cheering them on during the College Football National Championship on Jan. 19.
Warm regards,
Leonidas Bachas
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
