Dean's Blog

MAY 28, 2020

Disgusting. Infuriating. Tragic. Heartbreaking. Those are words that came quickly to mind when I first learned of the outrageous and senseless death of George Floyd. To then watch a slow-motion killing is one of the most horrifying sights imaginable. And to see the cruel casualness by which it all happened, by which a man had his life taken away, was an assault to the senses. Mr. Floyd was an African American man. It is difficult to fully understand what happened on Chicago Avenue without centering the basic fact that race ran through the entire sordid event. I know that many staff, students, and faculty in our CLA community are hurting right now and grieving. Read more

MARCH 18, 2020

Throughout the past few weeks, and especially in recent days, the news about COVID-19 has increasingly occupied our thoughts and energy. The surge in cases across the world and in Minnesota have made us all think ever more of each other’s needs. In CLA, we have discussed our concerns for our students; our alumni, friends, and donors; our faculty, staff, and community partners; and all of those around us. We have shared our worries for friends, neighbors, and family members whose lives have been abruptly turned upside down through isolation, health fears, and the loss of income. Like you, we hear inspiring stories of clear-thinking, collaboration, and caring. Read more

SEPTEMBER 4, 2019

In fall 2018, the undergraduate African American student population in CLA exceeded 1000 students for the first time, with 1,040 students. That number represented an improvement of 38% since fall 2014. Hispanic student enrollment reached 670 students, up 44% since fall 2014. Asian student enrollment increased 20% over that time period, to nearly 1,610 students. And American Indian student enrollment was at about 225, an improvement of 9%. Thank you to everyone who works hard to recruit and retain American Indian students and students of color in CLA, a key objective of the CLA Roadmap. Read more