August 17, 2026
Dear A&S faculty and staff,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 academic year, which comes as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. As students return to the University, I’m reminded that nowhere is the promise and opportunity of this country more evident than on our campus.
At the College, opportunity manifests in the form of transformative courses, groundbreaking research, and civic engagement initiatives that nurture and empower the next generation of leaders. Through scholarship that makes sense of our country’s past and informed dialogue on our present challenges, we are shaping a better future for our communities.
The strength of the United States stems from the hard work and ingenuity of its people, which is also true of the College. Our greatest strength is the determination and curiosity of our students, the expertise and creativity of our faculty, and the dedication of our staff. This academic year, I’m pleased to welcome 27 new tenure-track faculty members, visiting professors, and lecturers, along with new staff members supporting departments across the College.
Today’s most pressing challenges cannot be solved within a single discipline. Interdisciplinary collaboration has become a hallmark of the College, with faculty members embracing this spirit in their research, teaching, and creative work. This year, for example, we are welcoming new faculty members recruited as part of a cluster hiring initiative that spans data science, digital humanities, and related disciplines. We are also offering innovative courses including “Fundamentals for Quantum Intelligence,” co-taught by faculty members in the computer science department and the College of Engineering, and a “Leadership and Strategy” course, co-taught by faculty members in the departments of classics and history.
We will continue to focus on the Great Schools initiative to elevate the College’s strengths and boost our national reputation. As part of this effort, we are investing strategically in areas where the College can achieve distinction and lasting impact. Thank you for all you do to advance this initiative.
I look forward to working alongside each of you as we build on our successes, embrace new opportunities, and shape an exciting future for the College and the communities we serve. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist you with anything.
Warm regards,
Leonidas Bachas
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
