Joy K. Ward. Photo by Anthony Gray.
l feel honored to be writing this message—my first as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences—to our alumni and friends and to members of our academic community. The opportunity to lead this outstanding college is the greatest privilege of my career. Long before I arrived on July 1, I was aware of Case Western Reserve’s place among the nation’s leading research universities. Now, after several months of listening, learning and forging relationships with my new colleagues, I can attest to the strong foundation on which our reputation rests.
My tenure as dean has begun during a time of tremendous challenge. When I accepted this position in January, no one could imagine the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic would inflict on our society and the world, or its consequences for higher education. But I am proud of the wisdom, innovation and resourcefulness our university has displayed in responding to this crisis.
We have acted decisively to protect the health and well-being of our community, instituting strict safety protocols across the campus. Our faculty members have adapted to the demands of remote and blended learning with their characteristic ingenuity and dedication, developing new approaches for connecting with and supporting our students. Without compromising safety, we have rejuvenated our research enterprise. Programs, offices and student organizations have mobilized to assist our undergraduates, who are committed to pursuing their education despite the financial and emotional fallout from the pandemic.
After a season of uncertainty in college admissions, I am pleased to let you know that this fall’s entering class was comparable in size and academic achievement to other recent classes. Along with our seniors, the first-year students were among those offered the option of living in university housing this semester. When I have walked on campus, I have been truly impressed by how thoroughly our students have embraced our safety protocols, demonstrating concern for both their own health and that of those around them. I am indebted to them for working with us for the well-being of all.
As we contend with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, this may not seem like a promising moment to make long-range plans or undertake new ventures. But I believe we must affirm our confidence in the college’s future and take active steps to secure it.
For example, I have developed a donor-driven initiative called Expanding Horizons to attract seed funding for faculty research, scholarship and creative endeavors, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary projects. By supporting the best research ideas in the college, we will foster discoveries that will help meet our society’s most pressing challenges. The seed grants will also support our students as they work side by side with faculty, who will provide mentoring and training for the next generation of leaders and innovators. Because this initiative will enhance our prospects and competitiveness for external funding, its impact will be amplified for both faculty and students.
Elsewhere in this issue, I will have more to say about my aspirations for the college—aspirations I know we can achieve together. For now, let me close by paying tribute to President Emerita Barbara R. Snyder, who led Case Western Reserve for 13 years before assuming the presidency of the prestigious Association of American Universities this fall. President Snyder is a transformative figure in the history of CWRU and in higher education, and I am one of the beneficiaries of the progress the university made under her leadership. She has given us so much to build on. I thank her for inviting me here, serving as one of my role models and continuing to advance higher education in the United States.
Joy K. Ward
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor, Department of Biology