A custom in most countries is to greet each other by asking, “How are you?” The customary response is, “Just fine.” But, when someone greets Professor Emeritus Bill Flatt he enthusiastically responds, “Better-n-ever!” That response never fails to promote a flow of energy to the people around him. (Say it out loud and really fast, and you’ll get the feeling: “Better-n-ever!”)

As I prepare to leave the position of Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, I’ve been reflecting on the status of the College and the progress we’ve made during the one-and-a-half decades that I’ve served as Dean. When I visit with FACS alumni they often ask, “How is the College?” I could say the College is, “Just fine,” but that would not do justice to the outstanding students enrolled in our 13 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in all departments; or to the outstanding faculty who teach on campus, in study-abroad programs, and in our Extension and public service workshops and training sessions. “Just fine,” would not adequately portray the curiosity and persistence of our researchers, or the relevance of their studies in addressing questions of basic science and the discovery of solutions to the issues of human well-being. The right response is: “The College of Family and Consumer Sciences is better-n-ever!”

As Dean, I am only one part in the total system that makes our College outstanding. It is an axiom of human ecosystems theory that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is indeed true in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Our College achieved new heights because we built on the firm foundation that was established by previous administrators, faculty and alumni. Recent achievements are the products of the work of our dedicated faculty and staff, and the leadership of department heads, directors and committees who, on a daily basis, work toward  excellence.  We never lose sight of the fact that our College has three missions, as stated in the University’s motto: “To teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things.”

We have been fortunate to have the support of the University administration who responded to our enrollment growth and emerging partnerships with key business and industry sectors in Georgia by allocating new faculty positions to the College. Increased alumni engagement has been important in our rising profile. Within my own personal ecosystem, my husband Sam has been a friend, colleague, and supportive spouse. He too contributes to the College’s development.

As I exit the role of Dean and assume the responsibilities of Professor, I feel great pride in what this system has accomplished. I pledge to continue to support the advancement of the College. The future is incredibly bright for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.  Additional new faculty will be added in the fall, industry support for emerging career areas is at an all time high, the College is launching a planned-giving initiative, “100 Legacies in the Making,” to assure future private resources, and many other developments are under way. 

As alumni, the value of your degree is “better-n-ever.” You have a vested interest to protect the progress that has been made. Your continued engagement in and support of the College is critical to the future.

Sharon Y. Nickols, Dean