Welcome Letter from the Dean

August 17, 2007

Dear CoFAC Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The summer has passed quickly and we are all preparing for another school year. I wish to welcome new faculty, staff, and students to the college and to WIU. A welcome back to those returning must also include a thank you to all of our CoFAC employees and students for their work and dedication, which makes this college special and enjoyed by all who are fortunate to experience our creative spirit and energy. As we begin the 2007/08 academic year, I believe the year will prove to be as exciting, as successful, and as fulfilling as previous years.

There are many accomplishments of which we can be proud from each and every unit of the college. There are many examples of student achievement and faculty accomplishments that illuminate the dedication and talents of our faculty, which is matched by the commitment and talent of our students. Many awards and recognitions have been garnered and I thank and congratulate those students and faculty for their successes.

Our building projects are progressing well. The renovation of Memorial Hall is on schedule and I ask your continued patience as we work in a crowded environment in Sallee Hall and smaller accommodations in Currens Hall. Soon, the parking lot at Browne Hall will be a challenge to negotiate, and I again, ask your indulgence during this time. The Performing Arts Center planning has been concluded and the design phase has begun. I thank those individuals that gave their time this summer to see that this project continued without delay. It is imperative that we keep the momentum going as a means to signal the lawmakers of the state that we are committed to this important initiative, a project that will surely elevate academic aspects of our performing arts programs, while providing desirable venues for artists and audiences who experience culture at the university.

We continue to the lead the colleges with our fundraising successes. We have garnered funds for scholarships, equipment, guest artists, and programming. Also, the Performing Arts Society instituted an academic support program for this year. However, there are many unrealized goals and fundraising priorities that we will continue to address in the coming months and years. I thank each of you for your input regarding the funding priorities for the college.

Last spring our faculty and chairs began Vision Planning, a process that will be concluded prior to the arrival of a new Academic Vice-President and Provost. The Executive Planning Council of the college will finalize the plan and your continued participation in the process will be helpful and encouraged. This is a perfect time for departments to engage in planning exercises, as we must also complete internal program reviews this year. I encourage your participation in that process as well.

There are many activities planned for Homecoming this year, which includes the first meeting of our CoFAC Advisory Board. The board is comprised of community members and prominent alumni who will assist us in achieving our goals. I trust that you will be able to interact with the board at Homecoming events on Saturday, September 29th at the “Right Place” tent located west of the stadium.

Please also plan to attend the college luncheon for faculty and staff on Tuesday, September 4th at 11:30 am. The luncheon is being held in the Heritage Room. We’ll be celebrating with faculty and staff who received tenure and promotions this past year and also with those who are recent college award winners. We’ll also recognize other faculty accomplishments. Please plan to attend this celebration, and, the lunch is free!

Best wishes for continued successes,
Paul Kreider, Dean