A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
I write this message as COSAM’s incoming Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Although new to this position, I am finishing my 31st year as a faculty member here at Auburn University, and so I’ve learned a lot about Auburn University during that time that I plan to put to use in my new role.
I am excited to join the COSAM management team and have been enjoying a warm welcome from within and outside of the college. I also have learned a lot about the programs and activities that take place in COSAM: as a faculty member I was only vaguely aware of most of these since I was focused on my departmental teaching and research. Now I find myself broadening my perspective to the other four departments within COSAM, and interacting with members of other schools and colleges, as well as upper administrative offices. I am inspired and proud of the dedication to student success, and positive and collegial spirit, that I have found in my new colleagues.
On August 19, I was pleased to attend the First-Year Convocation at the AU Arena to help welcome COSAM’s incoming class of about 650 students. The excitement was palpable, and so was the humidity, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm of almost 5,000 new Auburn students. It was inspiring to see these young people begin this next important step in their lives, and I am eager to learn how I can help them achieve their goals during their college career.
I look forward to the opportunities and challenges of my new position, and I take inspiration from the energy of those thousands of new freshmen that filled the Arena just a few days ago. They are facing an exciting new phase in their lives with eager anticipation, and at least a little trepidation, and so am I. I hope we will all harness that energy to accomplish great things in our respective new roles at Auburn University.
War Eagle!
Robert Boyd
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs