Dean's Welcome

                                       

Dear CSTEM Community,

 As we begin another academic year, I want to recognize the remarkable journey our students, faculty, and staff are on together. In STEM, we know that balance does not mean standing still. The most resilient systems are often dynamic, constantly responding, adjusting, and finding equilibrium as conditions change. Our journey as a college is much the same. Building a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is both challenging and rewarding, and the path forward is rarely a straight line. It requires curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to keep moving even as the world around us shifts.

This year’s theme, “Balance in Motion: Finding Equilibrium in a Changing World,” captures the moment in which we find ourselves. STEM is evolving at an extraordinary pace. But even while artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and complex global challenges transform how we learn, work, research, and innovate, I am continually inspired by the creativity, commitment, and determination that keep our CSTEM community both grounded and moving forward.

Finding equilibrium requires us to embrace both stability and transformation. We must preserve what matters most while remaining open to new ideas and possibilities, balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility, innovation with reflection, and individual achievement with collective success. And as our tools become more powerful, the human creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and compassion at the heart of STEM remain central.

Change can bring uncertainty, but it also creates opportunities to reconsider what’s possible. Our CSTEM community is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges: by learning from one another, crossing disciplinary boundaries, asking bold questions, and applying our knowledge to real-world problems, we can help shape the future rather than simply respond to it.

Our commitment to you remains steadfast, guided by our shared values:

• Lifelong success of our students, staff, and faculty – supporting you now and throughout meaningful and impactful careers.
• Excellence in teaching, research, and mentoring – providing the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and mentorship needed to thrive in the classroom and research environment.
• High-impact, applied learning – preparing you to solve real-world challenges with confidence through hands-on and deeply engaging learning experiences.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect – ensuring every voice is respected, valued, and empowered.
• Welcoming and safe environments – creating spaces where well-being, belonging, and success are central.
• Partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration – connecting ideas, people, and disciplines to spark innovation and discovery.
• Innovation and continuous improvement – embracing change as an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.

At the heart of Balance in Motion is a simple idea: equilibrium is not a destination, but an ongoing process. Like the science and engineering we practice, it requires us to test, learn, adjust, and sometimes change course. Together, we can navigate the changes ahead with courage, curiosity, and optimism. We can remain grounded in our values while reaching toward new possibilities. And we can ensure that STEM continues to serve its greatest purpose: improving lives, strengthening communities, and creating a better future for society.

Thank you for your dedication, your curiosity, your resilience, and your trust in this community. As we enter this new academic year, let’s find our equilibrium, embrace the motion, and move forward together.

Here’s to a year of Balance in Motion.

With admiration and support,
Jackie Trischman
Dean