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By now, most of you know I have announced my plans to vacate the position of Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences on July 1, 2006. However, I am not retiring. I will be a faculty member of the College and focus my energies on research and teaching. Serving as Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia has been the highlight of my academic career. With this decision comes the opportunity for reflection. That’s the symbolic message of the photograph on the cover of this issue of the FACS Magazine. Managing Editor and Director of Communications Denise Horton convinced me to let my photo be on the cover, but I insisted that I wear my academic garb. Nancy Evelyn, the creative photographer who has been responsible for so many of our wonderful photographs, literally set the stage for reflections. Academic regalia symbolizes the cloak of responsibility we assume with advanced education. It reflects the value of intellectual talent, relationships between teachers and students and institutions of higher education. When I put on the gown, hood and mortar board for each commencement and convocation ceremony, I am filled with pride at the accomplishments of our students and alumni. As I reflect on the accomplishments of our faculty who also wear their academic regalia on these special occasions, I confirm what a privilege it is to work with such talented and dedicated educators, researchers and public servants. In July, I will have served two months short of 15 years as Dean. I think the time is right for a transition both in the leadership of the College and in my role. The College has experienced tremendous growth in undergraduate enrollment; enhanced our outreach and public service programs; investigated significant social, health and economic issues facing families and consumers through our research; and established an |
outstanding array of study abroad opportunities. We have benefited from dedicated faculty and staff, and recently have added outstanding new talent to both faculty and staff. We have weathered reductions in funding due to downturns in state revenues. As I reflect on these situations, I affirm the importance of our commitment to the College’s mission as an integral unit of the land-grant university. The College of Family and Consumer Sciences is a place known on the UGA campus as the most nurturing environment for students. I’ve often said that satisfied students become happy, supportive alumni. FACS alumni are contributing to the advancement of the College through the gifts of their time and financial resources. As I reflect on the many accomplishments, I know they are the result of teamwork. That team effort is a reflection of the talent and loyalty of faculty, staff, alumni and students to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the University of Georgia. I treasure not only our accomplishments, but also the relationships we have forged. Reflections involve thinking about the past, but also considering the future. There are several things I wish we could have accomplished, foremost among them is securing a commitment for the much-needed addition to Dawson Hall and doing more to strengthen our graduate programs. Still, the foundation is in place for the next dean to lead our truly exemplary college. I told Provost Mace that I will not be a “lame-duck” dean during the remainder of the academic year. I hope you will join me in helping to secure the future of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences through your continued support this year and into the future. Sam and I both thank you for your friendship and encouragement. We’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places...and perhaps some new ones too. Sharon Y. Nickols, Dean  |
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