Message from the Dean

Dean Marla E. Salmon

The end of 2009 is upon us. We are at that time of the year that is unlike any other. These are days of reflection, recalibration and often, reconnection. Perhaps it is simply that the year is coming to an end. It may be because this is a season that is filled with so many different holidays and observances. Or maybe it is just that January is approaching and it is once again time to think about ushering out the old” and bringing in the “new.” This year, we are bringing in both a new year and new decade.

For us in the school, 2009 has been a year of challenge and achievement. The challenges are those that we share with people within and beyond our community: difficult financial times, adjusted expectations and the need to do much more with significantly less. The achievements, though, have greatly overshadowed the challenges as the creativity, resilience and commitment of so many of our faculty, staff and students have set the stage for the year and decade ahead.

This issue of our newsletter is an abbreviated testimony to the strength of our school and the promise for our future. Intense and important work has taken place to move our research forward, continue to advance our educational efforts, extend our reach to and beyond our immediate community, and confront the unexpected in thoughtful and creative ways. 

As with every year, 2009 has brought us many changes. And, yet, the important constants remain. Our faculty, staff and students are strong, capable and willing; our culture and commitment to excellence is constant; and, our unique capacity to make real differences in the lives of people here, nationally and around the world is our greatest opportunity.

Best,
Marla E. Salmon, ScD, RN, FAAN