Dean’s Message: Summer 2023
In today’s world, having the ability and the confidence to take action for what you believe in is more important than ever. Regardless of what major our students choose, a liberal arts education—especially a Dyson education—gives them the skills to think critically, write persuasively, and advocate passionately—tools that are invaluable in any career field.
This spring, Professor Michelle Land, PhD, and the Environmental Studies and Science department in Pleasantville launched a new initiative, the Animal Policy Project, where students lobby for animal issues. One component of the project is the Animal Advocacy Clinic course. Students enrolled in it this spring researched current topics in state legislature, educated their peers and the surrounding community, collected petition signatures, and ultimately took a trip to Albany to meet with state lawmakers to present their findings.
Meanwhile, as the publishing industry continues to engage in a national conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dyson alumni are well prepared to jump into this evolving discourse and movement for change—and in this story they note that their readiness can be traced back to their time in their English or publishing courses at Pace.
Experiential learning—or “learning by doing”—is truly at the heart of students’ development into passionate, knowledgeable advocates. In her new role in the Provost’s Office as director of experiential learning and the Pace Path, Associate Professor of English Kelley Kreitz, PhD, shares how she is exploring, capturing, and amplifying the multitude of ways experiential learning exists in our classrooms and the depth of its impact on our students and their success.
At Dyson, we know true advocacy is not only a matter of who can draw the most attention—it also often involves careful research, strategic thinking, and persuasive discourse. As dean, I am always so proud when I see our students, faculty, staff, and alumni take action for causes that are meaningful to them and to our world.
If you have news you wish to share with the Dyson Community, please contact Angela Nally ’99, ‘06, assistant dean for communications, at anally@pace.edu.
Sincerely,
Tresmaine R. Grimes, PhD
Dean, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education