August 18, 2025
Dear A&S faculty and staff,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 academic year, which marks the beginning of the College’s second century. It was a joy to commemorate the University’s centennial with many of you last semester and celebrate the College’s key role in its success.
I would like to give a warm welcome to our incoming centennial class, which is one of the largest entering cohorts in the College’s history. I’m also pleased to welcome more than 25 new tenure-track professors, visiting professors, and lecturers in fields ranging from printmaking to quantum science.
Over the past year, we have celebrated several milestones in addition to the University’s centennial, including the opening of the new theatre building. This fall, we are continuing the renovation of biology space in the James M. Cox, Jr. Science Building and the celebration of the Lowe Art Museum’s 75th anniversary.
The College has surpassed its fundraising goals, and I’m pleased to report that we have concluded the Ever Brighter fundraising campaign in May 2025 with a record-breaking $115.7 million raised to support strategic priorities such as endowed faculty positions, research studies, and student scholarships. This is in addition to the $100 million the College helped secure to establish the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science. The success of the Ever Brighter campaign is thanks to not only the generosity of our major donors but also to gifts from thousands of other alumni, faculty, and friends. The College received more than 27,000 gifts, of which over 23,000 were from donors who contributed $500 or less.
As we begin the fall semester, I would also like to welcome and congratulate Joel H. Samuels, the University’s new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. I look forward to working with him to continue strengthening the College. I also want to express my gratitude to Guillermo “Willy” Prado for his support during his tenure as interim executive vice president and provost.
Despite the challenges confronting the higher education sector, you have all remained dedicated to your research, teaching, and support roles. I want to applaud each of you for your continued commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and groundbreaking creative endeavors.
As we navigate this period of change, it is important to remain focused on our mission and the value of our work. Together, we are addressing some of the world’s most critical issues while educating the next generation of leaders and innovators. This mission is more important and meaningful today than ever.
Thank you for everything you do at the College and the University. I look forward to another successful academic year.
Warm regards,
Leonidas Bachas
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
