Dean's Corner: Greetings from Dean Avilez
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. It is both an honor and a privilege to lead a college with such a rich legacy of intellectual excellence, creativity, and service to society. As I step into this role, I am deeply mindful of the powerful community of alumni who have come before me—individuals who have shaped not only CLA but the world at large.
As a CLA alum, you are part of a network of nearly 165,000 alumni, each of whom carries forward the values of curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking that define our college. Your contributions in every sector of society are a testament to the enduring value of a liberal arts education.
My vision for CLA is one of inclusivity, innovation, and impact. Together, we will continue to build upon the legacy of excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement that defines our college. I am excited about the opportunity to strengthen the connections between our alumni and current students and to ensure that CLA remains a place where the next generation of leaders and scholars can thrive.
As we move forward, I hope to build even stronger ties with you, our alumni. We will continue to share news and events through our alumni communications—including You Are Invited, Alma Matters, and departmental newsletters—so you can stay informed about the vibrant work happening at CLA and find opportunities to engage with your alma mater.
Share your advice!
As a CLA alum, you have so much wisdom to share. Please consider passing along what made your time in CLA special, the advice you think Dean Avilez should hear, and what you think the college should focus on in the coming years. Choose any of the three questions in this Google form, or feel free to respond to them all. It's a quick way to make a big impact.
Thank you for being an integral part of the college. Your continued success and involvement are vital to our shared mission. I look forward to connecting with you in the months and years ahead, and to seeing the impact of CLA’s alumni in the world.
Best,
GerShun Avilez
PS. In October, I spent time with CLA’s talented Marketing & Communications and LATIS Media Services team. Their efforts helped bring to life a video where you can learn more about me.
