After navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, the beginning of a new academic year brings hope and promise for what we can accomplish together. In this month’s letter, Dean Geer shares how the A&S community plans to continue pursuing our mission of learning, discovery, and service during the 2021-2022 academic year to solve the most pressing problems facing society.

As we begin the fall semester, A&S faculty and students reflect on the trials of the last year and look ahead with promise to the year ahead.

(Karan Jani, research assistant professor of physics and astronomy, quoted)

(Larisa DeSantis, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, quoted) 

(Emily Lordi, professor of English, interviewed)

(Jefferson Cowie, James G. Stahlman Chair in American History, quoted)

(Christopher Carpenter, E. Bronson Ingram Chair and professor of economics, quoted)

(Tiffiny Tung, professor of anthropology, quoted)

(Liz Chagnon/Vanderbilt University)

This month, the College of Arts and Science welcomed students back to campus, and we are thrilled to be able to engage, inspire, and learn with them in our classrooms again this fall.