From the Dean | March 2022
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Dear Arts and Science community, One of the things that impresses me so much about Vanderbilt is how passionate our community is about contributing to society and making our world a better place to live—both now, and in the future. A few years ago, several students came to me asking that the college enhance our academic offerings in climate studies. I was impressed by their thoughtfulness and engagement. At that time, we already offered a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, which remains quite popular, as well as important climate courses in the departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sociology, and others. But it was clear that students were thirsty for more. It turned out that faculty were, as well. We needed to act. I asked three faculty members (Jonathan Gilligan, David Hess, and Betsey Robinson) representing our three divisions to lead a committee to develop a curriculum for a new interdisciplinary major in Climate Studies. They engaged peers across the College of Arts and Science and the university to create a groundbreaking program that melds the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to study climate change, its challenges, and its possible solutions. I am thrilled to announce that this exciting idea has culminated in the launch of an innovative new major in Climate Studies that is now available to our students. Most climate programs around the country incorporate the science of climate change, but very few recognize the importance of exploring the relationship between society, their environment, and climate. Our unique program offers in-depth scientific study but also incorporates the arts, culture, human behavior, sociology, economics, engineering, and many other areas to provide a true interdisciplinary understanding of climate studies. We believe that bringing together this wide-ranging expertise is an invaluable way to develop truly effective and lasting solutions to one of the most significant challenges of our time, and one that will affect future generations for years to come. Fortunately, Vanderbilt is one of the rare places where this could happen with success. Students voiced their passions, and we listened. Faculty then worked together, producing a new, cutting-edge major. We built on our existing strengths, given the programs and initiatives already in place across campus. This effort aligned perfectly with the strategic mission of the college, which is to use learning, discovery, and service to solve the most pressing problems facing society. This new major is a shining example of how we bring that mission to life. With all the complex issues facing our world today, none of us know what the future holds. But I feel even more confident that our students—tomorrow’s leaders—will leave Vanderbilt armed with evidence, critical thinking, and an open-mindedness that will position them to tackle whatever challenges we may face. This new major is an important part of our effort to help our students tap into their passions, as they seek to improve the world around them.
My best,
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