Welcome from Dean Sarah Irvine Belson, PhD
This past semester, American University embarked upon a campus-wide strategic-planning process, during which I’ve had the opportunity to discuss with my colleagues some of SETH’s achievements. I am proud that our students, staff, and faculty have embraced American University’s commitment to social responsibility, as well as the effort to exploit our location in Washington, D.C. We are a community of public-focused teachers and learners, and our work is vital to the development of American University’s standing as a twenty-first–century model of engagement and service.
Over the next year, we hope to leverage our accomplishments to position the school as a leader on campus—and in Washington, D.C. We will be looking to our alumni for help in guiding students to pursue intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching studies and experiences.
We also plan to expand and improve our activities, including new courses and academic programs, research endeavors, and outreach. Everything we do at SETH is grounded in four organizing principles: excellence, diversity, equity, and community. The first principle, excellence, is the standard by which the other three are defined; it is the bar for our activities and curricula—and by which we measure individual achievement. Within this matrix, we recognize individual excellence as demonstrated by exceptional productivity—but also by commitment to innovation and creativity, social equity, and civic engagement, both local and global.
I invite each of you—whether you are an alum, a friend of the school, or a current student—to share with me your vision for SETH. How, for example, do you think we should be using our resources and opportunities? The people of SETH are vital not only to the future of American University but to the region and the world through their contributions. Where we go from here should be determined by how we can best use our strengths and employ our opportunities.
All the best to you in the coming year.
Sarah Irvine Belson, PhD
Dean
School of Education, Teaching, and Health
