Dean’s Message: Moving Forward Together

A new academic year has arrived at San Diego State University, and I couldn’t be more excited for the start of this journey. It’s so rewarding to bring our College of Education community back together after months apart. And, as always, it’s wonderful to welcome new students, faculty, and staff into the fold.

This is a rejuvenating moment in the wake of what has been a challenging past several months. We’ve collectively had to weather state budget cutbacks and a radically changing landscape for federal funding that has greatly impacted both our faculty researchers and our students. The environment all across higher education remains unpredictable, and there will no doubt be more bumps in the road ahead.

Yet as difficult as this adversity has been, I find myself grateful to reside among this incredible community of difference makers. I could not think of better people to stand alongside as we face these challenges. In these turbulent times, I think it’s important to take joy in our moments of triumph, such as our College’s highest-ever national ranking — No. 45 in U.S. News & World Report. You can read more about our many accomplishments from 2024-25 in our recently published Yearbook and Impact Report.

As we look ahead, let us also take this opportunity to come together as a community. I look forward to getting to know our students during Coffee and Tea with the Dean, as well as our faculty and staff at upcoming Water Cooler Chat and Fireside Conversation opportunities. More dates and details will be sent your way soon.

In the meantime, I encourage you to follow us on Instagram at @sdsucoe. Also, don’t forget to check your email for the Weekly Digest every Friday to learn about announcements, events, and opportunities.

Here’s to a successful 2025-26 academic year!

Y. Barry Chung, PhD
Dean, College of Education
@ybarrychung