Some final thoughts
From the provost
by E. Thomas Sullivan

Making a difference

The General College has a mission that has changed over time to best serve students, the University, and the state of Minnesota. Each set of changes brought renewal. Often these changes were motivated by demographic changes and realignments of the structure of higher education in our state. In many ways, the General College exemplifies how new directions, and new possibilities, can thrive within a tradition of deep commitment to access and diversity.

It is appropriate, then, in this final issue of Access, that we look to the series of exciting changes ahead, while always keeping in full view the paramount values of the General College.

The General College will be transforming into a new Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning in a newly reconfigured College of Education and Human Development. It is a new name, yet one that identifies and extends the special teaching and research mission for faculty, staff, and students.

We relish the potential for the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning. In collaboration with new colleagues, the department can set the highest standards for the theory and practice of teaching and learning in higher education—especially in addressing complex societal issues such as eliminating demographic disparities in educational achievement. The department is uniquely situated to make this invaluable contribution.

The promise for the new department and the new college is exciting. A vital element of this integration is that the University’s commitment to access for motivated students from all backgrounds will be reinforced and reinvigorated.

I must recognize the exceptional contributions of Dean Terry Collins in leading an engaged and thoughtful transition. We watched as faculty, staff, and students joined together to “embrace the future.”

As we go to press, we have identified finalists for the position of dean. We seek a new dean who will bring enormous passion, vision, and breadth of experience to the new college. I have every confidence that under the new dean’s leadership the new college and the new department will reach extraordinary heights of excellence. The dean, in partnership with the dedicated faculty and staff of the new College of Education and Human Development, will make a difference, and the new college will make a difference. That you can count on.

It truly is an exceptional time to be part of the University of Minnesota community.

Welcome your new dean, welcome your new colleagues, and welcome the journey ahead.

My very best wishes for a remarkably productive and visionary new century.

E. Thomas Sullivan
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Julius E. Davis Chair in Law