Dean’s Welcome: Celebrating our Resilience

It is with an enduring sense of optimism and gratitude that I welcome you to the 2026-27 academic year!

I recognize that these days, optimism can often be in short supply. But my spirits have been buoyed by the way our faculty, staff, and students have met the many challenges of the past few years. Through turmoil, uncertainty, and budgetary belt-tightening at the state and federal levels, our community remains resilient and united in purpose. I encourage you to read more about it in our College’s 2026 Yearbook and Impact Report.

To our newest students, I welcome you into an extraordinary community of difference makers. To our returning students, welcome back to your academic home. I look forward to the chance to meet all of you during Coffee & Tea with the Dean, which I host twice a year. Our fall installment will be held on September 10.

To our faculty and staff, I so appreciate your partnership and patience as we've weathered these trying times together. The fact that we have not just survived but thrived — including receiving our best-ever U.S. News & World Report ranking at #41 — is a testament to your work and passion for making an impact on students and communities. I hope you'll continue to share your ideas and opinions with me during Water Cooler Chats, Fireside Conversations, and other community events.

To our alumni and supporters, I hope you are as proud as I am of your College. I hope you will find ways to connect throughout the year, including at our big tailgate before the 2026 Homecoming football game on October 17. Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for more information. I also hope you will make an impact on our work by contributing to student scholarships, programming, or any area you're passionate about supporting. 

I wish you a successful and rewarding year!

Y. Barry Chung
Dean, College of Education