A fall of firsts

Jim White stand on a boat wearing a yellow vest.

I visited the College’s coastal marine lab in Morehead City in August and accompanied students as they took sediment samples in Bogue Sound. (photo by Kerry Irish.)

These past few months have been filled with many firsts since I assumed the deanship of the College of Arts and Sciences in July and began learning my way around this beautiful campus.

I’ve enjoyed my first student convocation, first time greeting students lined up at the Old Well for their good luck sip, first meetings with my department chairs and faculty, first advisory board meetings and visits with alumni, and, now, my first dean’s message in Carolina Arts & Sciences. (You can read more about my background and my aspirations for the College here.)

But the “first” I am most excited about is that the College has launched its revolutionary new IDEAs in Action general education curriculum this fall. The Class of 2026 is the first group of students to experience it, but when fully implemented over the next four years, it will be the core education that every Carolina undergraduate receives, regardless of their major.

Years in the making, IDEAs in Action is designed to be innovative, inclusive and global. It emphasizes critical thinking and experiential learning. It prepares students for careers and lifelong learning. It’s an easy prediction that our pioneering approach will become a model for others to emulate. Once again, Carolina has set the bar high. Please join me in my excitement by reading more about IDEAs in Action.

Sincerely,

Jim White