Letter from the Dean

This year has been an exciting one for the College of Natural Sciences, and one in which we saw both our research and education programs grow. Our research expenditures increased by 11%, and we pursued new foundational and applied projects. We welcomed to campus the largest-ever first-year class of students, and we have become the largest college by major at the University. Our previous dean, Jan Nerger, is now the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs for the University, and I enthusiastically agreed to serve as the interim dean of the college. Rick Miranda, the dean prior to Jan, is now the interim president, so our college plays a more important and prominent role than ever in the life of Colorado State University. It is within this context that we launched our new college strategic plan.

This year’s magazine theme is Go Boldly. This also is the name of our strategic plan. Go Boldly is a name that represents how we plan to move into the future – with bold aspirations for how our college can evolve and serve our students and community in an ever-changing world.

We spent the last academic year soliciting and receiving input, analyzing our college’s strengths and opportunities, and developing a plan that will act as our roadmap for the next several years. Go Boldly puts forth a clear and ambitious vision for the College of Natural Sciences – one that will advance every area of our mission.

I am excited to share this plan with you, and I ask that you join us as we embark on this latest chapter in the evolution of our college. I hope you enjoy this issue of Elements Magazine – the stories within epitomize the bold spirit of our community and the foundation on which we are building our plans for the future.

Simon Tavener

Interim Dean, College of Natural Sciences

Read the Go Boldly strategic plan @ col.st/go-boldly