College of Biological Sciences

The longer days and warmer temperatures are sure signs of spring as are the preparations to say farewell to another graduating class. This year, commencement will return to its normal format. CBS alum Dr. Mary Kemen will deliver the keynote and Prof. Mark Decker will carry the mace in the procession. Faculty and staff are welcome to attend. No matter how many times you attend, it never fails to inspire hope and optimism, both of which are much-needed in these troubled times.

• Spring also means taking stock of the year past and looking ahead at the year to come. The College’s FY23 Compact lays out priorities for the year ahead. They include: 
• Continuing to grow our undergraduate enrollments while maintaining our high retention and graduation rates and increasing the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff. 
• Growing our industry partnerships, particularly as they relate to biotechnology and the growing bioeconomy sector
• Increasing the number of large multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research awards and their impact by leveraging our major strengths.

The College’s 2021 annual report provides a snapshot of our collective accomplishments and progress on priorities. Highlights included efforts to grow the research ecosystem and expansion of undergraduate research opportunities through the new Dean’s Research Program. We are also growing our biotechnology footprint with a new building that will spur biomanufacturing innovation. We’ve increased support for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice work and exceeded fundraising goals for our Great Science at a Grand Scale campaign, which concluded this fall. 

Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to make all this possible. Without the dedication of faculty and staff who keep the wheels turning, we would not be able to build momentum in these critical areas.