Dean's Corner
The liberal arts offer people a skillset to think critically and live in the world amongst others.
At its heart, CLA is a college committed to the value and importance of the liberal arts for all of us—our students and our citizens.
We equip students with the tools to navigate complexity, engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through the liberal arts, we cultivate curiosity, foster critical thinking, and emphasize the importance of shared humanity. Whether analyzing global cultural differences, creating transformative art, advancing understanding of economic dynamics, or studying treatments for hearing loss, CLA prepares individuals not just for careers, but for a lifetime of impact in our interconnected world.
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Congratulations to everyone who earned a place on the spring College of Liberal Arts Dean's List! We are #UMNProud to publicly recognize our undergraduate students' superior academic performance.
"As one of the state’s largest colleges, CLA plays a vital role in educating and preparing Minnesota’s workforce. Today’s CLA students are tomorrow’s teachers, physicians, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, public servants, journalists and community leaders – people who will shape the future of Minnesota in every sector of society."
"Why do liberal arts graduates become successful entrepreneurs? Part of the answer lies in the kind of education our students receive. A liberal arts foundation encourages curiosity and the ability to connect ideas across fields. Our students learn to think critically and, perhaps most importantly, to recognize opportunities where others might see obstacles."
Each semester, we publicly recognize our undergraduate students' superior academic performance through the College of Liberal Arts dean's list. Congratulations to everyone who earned a place on the list! #UMNProud
"We know that our humanity is not a data point; that our emotions, morality, and creativity are not bound by algorithms. However, we also know that AI has transformed–and will continue to transform–our daily lives from the way we learn to the questions we ask about the future."
"Understanding how race, class, language, culture, and history shape health outcomes is essential to building a more equitable and effective healthcare system. Through our teaching, research, and community partnerships, we are preparing students to become thoughtful, empathetic leaders in a wide range of health-related fields."
From the Minnesota Daily: Avilez reflects on his plan for the future of CLA, what makes the University of Minnesota different from other schools and what got him here in the first place.
New face on campus, GerShun Avilez shares future plans for CLA
"As we celebrate our 2024 Alumni Awardees, we reaffirm our mission: to cultivate curiosity, empower creative problem-solving, and foster meaningful engagement across diverse perspectives. Their achievements are a testament to the enduring impact of the liberal arts—not just in their individual successes, but in the broader influence they have on society."
CLA's new leader has already secured his spot as one of Twin Cities Business people to know in 2025. The TCB 100 distinction highlights Dean Avilez's leadership, dedication to fostering community and belonging, and impactful contributions to higher education and the broader Twin Cities region.
News about the publications, creative activities, and recognition given to our faculty, staff, and graduate students — updated monthly.
