As the Fall semester concludes and the holidays are soon upon us, there is no better time than now to reach out to students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, stakeholders and our Public Affairs Community to wish you all a most sincere “Season’s Greetings” from the Office of the Dean.

For students the end of the semester offers a much needed break and relief and that equally extends to our faculty and staff and administrators too. For the rest of our UIS family I certainly hope the holiday season equally means some time off, time with the family, special celebrations, and a break from our typical routines. At the same time, we all embrace the excitement of a new year and all that 2022 has to offer!

For many, looking back on 2021 may give extra meaning to the phrase “Good Riddance.” Of course, what I am primarily referring to is our ongoing battle with COVID 19 and now Omicron. I don’t want to spend too much time looking back except to say “congratulations” for making it through 2021 with all the trials, tribulations, postponements, setbacks and health issues you and your families may have had to navigate. It may be difficult to put that behind you…but please try!

The “best part” of the holiday season is the excitement of looking forward to a new year. Lots of uncertainty may lie ahead, in many areas, but life is about not looking back but looking ahead and embracing what challenges and opportunities the New Year holds for you and those around you.

We look forward to experiencing 2022 with you and embracing the trials and the prospects of the new semester and New Year together here at the University and in the community at large.  We at UIS and in the College of Public Affairs and Administration know we are better citizens, neighbours and friends because of our engagement and interactions with you and know 2022 will be brighter because of that!

Happy Holidays,

Dr. Robert W. Smith
Dean
UIS College of Public Affairs and Education