This new year has ushered in a season of uncertainty for most everyone in higher education. From changes in policies impacting federal grant funding to supporting our UNLV community of international students as they grapple with immigration issues, we have been impacted on many fronts.

While we are in times of great uncertainty, we have decided to remain squarely focused on what we know for sure. We know that we are still committed to the values we hold dear, to providing the best liberal arts education possible to our students, to fostering a rigorous, inclusive academic environment where excellent research, teaching, and service are hallmarks, to making all our students — no matter where they hail from or what language they speak — feel welcome.

Though we are operating in unsettling times with some palpable fear and anxiety, we will choose to meet the moment with hope and determination. We will continue to do the good we can. We will continue to lead with compassion as we care for our students, colleagues, communities, and ourselves.

We will stay the course and true to our mission. We have much to be proud of, not the least of which are the richly diverse students that we serve. They remain our No. 1 priority.

Even with all that we are navigating, we have been busy doing the work of the college. In this edition of the newsletter, we are shining a spotlight on new research that shows how Type 2 diabetes can rewire the brain in ways that mimic early Alzheimer’s disease, a cool course about the evolution of health care in America and how race and gender have helped shape modern medicine, and the outcome of our annual giving campaign, Rebels Give.

Spring is awards season, too, and we are pleased to recognize the outstanding work of our best and brightest students, faculty and staff, and alumni in our awards listings.

I can’t overstate what challenging times we are in, but I can’t underestimate the strength of our resolve and how much partnering with you means to us. Thank you for your ongoing support.

In solidarity,
Jennifer Keene, Ph.D.
Dean