November 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As we pass the midpoint of the semester, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the energy and dedication you bring to our College every day. This is often the most demanding stretch of the academic year—when the initial momentum meets the reality of grading, advising loads, research deadlines, and the countless other responsibilities you juggle. Your work is the foundation of our College's success, and I deeply appreciate it. 

Last month we held the College Conversation, and it was wonderful to see so many   faculty and staff engaged in lively discussions about student success and innovation in the College. We're currently analyzing the valuable feedback and suggestions you provided, and I'm excited by the bold ideas that emerged around experiential learning, research-integrated curriculum, digital fluency, and marketable certifications. 

I'll be sharing the emerging themes and actionable ideas with you soon. Your engagement in this dialogue was instrumental in shaping changes that will expand opportunities for every student to succeed. Meaningful, lasting change requires effort from all of us, and I'm energized by the momentum from the College Conversation and the student success initiatives already in motion. 

Leading this passionate and dedicated community is an honor. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and your fellow faculty and staff. 

Sincerely,
Arash

Arash Mafi, Ph.D.
Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Professor, Physics & Astronomy

From roaming campus as a faculty's kiddo to a non-traditional undergrad student to "geriatric" Baby Jay to grad student to beloved staff member, Le-Thu has a rich history at The University of Kansas and in the College. 

Brian Laird (Chemistry) has been elected to the prestigious Fellowship in the American Physical Society.

How did Laird, a chemist, receive a society of physicists’ top honor? He was chosen for his groundbreaking, interdisciplinary work developing algorithms for molecular modeling

R.B. Perelmutter (Jewish Studies | Slavic, German, & Eurasian Studies) has won a 2025 World Fantasy Award for their novella, “Yoke of Stars,” the fourth book in their non-linear Birdverse universe

World Fantasy Awards are considered one of the most prestigious wins for science fiction, fantasy and speculative titles, alongside Hugo and Nebula awards.

Earlier this semester the College joined KU's Emergency Aid Network (EAN), and it is already making a difference for students in need. The College is receiving four to six applications a week requesting assistance. The need is real. Kudos to the Chemistry 130 professor who reached out to a student about class, learned the student missed class to follow a job lead to help pay rent, and referred them to the EAN. Please continue to encourage students to apply! The College may not be able to fund every request, but other funds might. Another bonus for students who apply? Based on their situation, they're provided with additional case management support to connect them with the appropriate resources. Thank you for continuing to get the word out. 

The Dean's Office is now curating a bi-weekly newsletter for updates and information from all Dean's Office units: Recruitment & Outreach, Budget, Undergraduate Academic Services, and Graduate Affairs. Every other Monday, we've got everything you need to know all in one spot. Worried you missed one? They're archived here.