Colleagues,

In response to a request from the Provost, we have prepared a short document which outlines the strategic directions of the College for the coming year.

In addition, we have requested that the Provost approve the initiation of searches to fill five, vacant, tenure-track positions. These positions are in disciplinary areas of high importance to our College and constituents. We await the Provost's decision on this request.

We believe our College is ending the year in a strong position as we continue as a world-class leader in natural resources and environmental management. The addition of eleven new faculty over the past 18 months, and the hope of bringing in an additional five faculty this year, will allow us to continue our transformation to an even higher plateau of discovery, engagement, and education.