n paper, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences looks great.

A dozen years as dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences puts me in the position as the "senior dean" at the University of Georgia. I don't believe that I'm entitled to "bragging rights" for longevity, but I am entitled to boast about the accomplishments of the College over the past decade and about our current strengths. As a graduate or friend of the College, I hope you are bursting with pride, just as I am, each time you read FACS Magazine and learn about the activities of our alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

Consider the following:

• Total enrollment (Fall 2003) is 1,500, a 38 percent increase since 2000. This is the largest the family and consumer sciences program has ever been. We now have the fourth largest undergraduate enrollment at the University.
• The departments of Child and Family Development and Housing and Consumer Economics received very positive reviews from the University's Program Review and Assessment Committee.*
• Over $42 million in active research contracts and grants are managed by our faculty and staff. For every $1 of state funds invested in faculty research appointments, $9.36 is generated in external funding.
• Over $16 million in active public service contracts and grants are managed by our faculty and staff. For every $1 of state funds invested in faculty public service appointments, $11.60 is generated in external funding.
• The Dietetics undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education; the Ph.D. program in Marriage and Family Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Education; the FACS undergraduate program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the McPhaul Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Twenty percent of the College's recent graduates have had a study abroad experience.
• Forty-five students majoring in the College are in the UGA Honors Program, up from 22 just last year.

Gifts and pledges to the College increased 21 percent in 2002-03, reflecting the loyalty and generosity of alumni and friends. As the feature article in this issue of FACS Magazine indicates, there are challenges associated with such success. We are "bursting at the seams" of our physical space as enrollment, research and public service projects, and the desire to be more innovative, expand. The College is in dire need of physical facilities commensurate with our 21st century research projects and the scope of our academic programs. Funding an addition to Dawson/Speirs Hall will require substantial lead gifts. We hope our alumni and friends will help identify individuals or foundations committed to the goals of our College and willing to make an investment to help us accomplish those goals. We have most of the ingredients for continued success in the decade ahead: outstanding faculty, bright students, dedicated staff, and determination to maintain the quality of our programs despite the current budget dilemmas. As our productivity data show, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences is a good investment. With enhanced physical facilities, the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences can be a more visible showcase of excellence. It's something I'd like to brag about in the near future. Sharon Y. Nickols, Dean * The departments of Foods and Nutrition and Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors will be reviewed by PRAC next year.

The mission of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences is to advance the well-being of individuals and families over the life span and strengthen communities through the generation and dissemination of knowledge, the education of professionals, and the provision of research-based programs

Sharon Y. Nickols, Dean

* The departments of Foods and Nutrition and Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors will be reviewed by PRAC next year.