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| MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN |
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 With some regret I am writing my last letter to you
as dean of
Research and Graduate Studies. Although I look forward to
returning to the professor’s life of teaching and writing, I greatlyhave enjoyed my time in this office, one that offers remarkable opportunities to help SMU’s researchers and graduate students fulfill their ambitions. I am delighted to report on two recent decisions that strengthen our mission. First, President R. Gerald Turner and Provost ad interim Tom Tunks have elevated the stature of the office with the new title of associate vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies. Titles don’t always tell the whole story, but in this case the new title reflects the determination of the president and the University to emphasize research, external funding and graduate programs at SMU. So does the second decision as well, the naming of my successor – a talented and experienced individual with broad connections in the scientific community around the world. James E. Quick, program coordinator in the Volcano Hazards Program with the U.S. Geological Survey, will arrive this summer. Jim is a distinguished scientist, accomplished administrator and much-published author. His appointment is another firm signal of the University’s commitment to research and graduate studies. I was fortunate to inherit an excellent program from my predecessor, Dean U. Narayan Bhat, and it has been fun to build on his work. We have achieved much in the past three years. We project that our external research funding will reach more than $20 million this year. With the addition of doctoral degrees in chemistry and English, we increased to 12 the overall number of our Ph.D. programs. We also put in place programs to help recruit diverse faculty and students, an initiative in which we take particular pride. On Graduate Research Day this winter, always one of my most rewarding days as dean, we achieved a record number of 74 participants. be meeting rooms were filled with faculty, graduate students and research posters. You could feel the excitement. It has been a great pleasure to work with all of you during the past three years. I thank in particular Larry Smith, head of the Office of Research Administration, and his able staff; Assistant Dean Barbara A. Phillips, who oversees graduate programs; and Phyllis S. Payne, my personal assistant and talented right-hand. In our SMU Research magazine next spring, Jim Quick will have the pleasure of telling you about another year’s achievements. I happily will be writing a new book for a series on Critical Presidential Elections in American history, on the famous “Battle of the Standards,” the spirited contest between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan in 1896. Nonetheless, I will look back fondly on the work of the past three years. I wish you well. R. Hal Williams Dean, Research and Graduate Studies |
