Happy New (Academic) Year!
I want to extend a warm welcome back to each of you on this first day of school. Every year this day always brings me a sense of renewal, excitement, and opportunity, and as your interim dean, today I am feeling especially grateful to be a part of such a dedicated and talented group who work tirelessly to ensure that our students receive a world-class education.
In the past several months, we have achieved several accomplishments together: Enrollment in our college continues to rebound; our college research expenditures continue to grow; and our academic programs are the highest ranked in the entire university system. Today, approximately one in every four students on our campuses is a Voiland College student.
Our collective efforts have not only maintained the excellence that Voiland College is known for but have also paved the way for new and innovative approaches in our teaching, research, and community engagement.
As we embark on this new year, I encourage you all to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our students and each other. Let’s make the most of the opportunities ahead and strive for excellence in all that we do.
To encourage this, I invite everyone to attend some important all-college gatherings.
Don’t miss our first VCEA Town Hall this Thursday, August 22. Our special guest will be the new WSU Provost, T. Chris Riley-Tillman. In addition to getting a chance to meet our new provost and ask him questions, attendees will have the opportunity get updates from around Voiland College. Immediately following the VCEA Town Hall is the VCEA Inside Scoop, the college’s annual ice cream social, where you will get a chance to meet new students and catch up with old colleagues over a scoop of Ferdinand’s Ice Cream!
Importantly, I also want to invite everyone to the first annual VCEA Day, Sept. 13 at the Elson Floyd Cultural Center.
At VCEA Day you’ll get a chance to learn about the new strategic initiatives Voiland College faculty and staff are implementing this year to improve student retention, employee wellness, and research collaboration. You’ll also get an exclusive sneak peek at the new design of Schweitzer Engineering Hall.
Stop by between 11 – 2 pm and enjoy a catered lunch, games, chair massages, new VCEA t-shirts, and prizes, while connecting with your colleagues and learning how you help make an impact at Voiland College.
I believe these events are a testament to the vibrant community we have built here at Voiland, and I look forward to seeing you all participate and contribute to their success.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our college and our students. Together, let’s make this year one of the most successful and rewarding yet.
Warm regards,
Partha Pratim Pande, FIEEE
Interim Dean and Professor
Boeing Centennial Chair in Computer Engineering
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Washington State University
Office: 509-335-5593
Email: pande@wsu.edu