On the Earth, in the Environment

Message from Senior Associate to the Dean, Eddie Guerra, Ph.D.

The School of Earth and Environment has come a long way in the past year.  Not only did our 3 departments come together in Discovery Hall, but we did so as the pandemic began to transition to a more controlled phase.  Our co-presence in space created both challenges (in the sense of settling in but also dealing with the pandemic concerns), and opportunities (greater synergies amongst faculty, greater efficiencies in delivery of instruction, and strengthening our esprit-de-corps).  I think it is safe to say that while there is still a lot of work to be done, our community has a strong foundation to continue to grow and support our various constituencies, including the broader Rowan community.  I offer the following observations based on the last academic year, with an eye towards the next one.

• Our students, front and center. One of our most important priorities is to foster an environment within the School that is welcoming and supportive of our students. 
  In the Dean’s Office, we welcome students to drop by at any time and are happy to hear ideas from any constituency about how to make SEE an exceptional place for students.    
• More opportunities for the School to come together. In the next academic year, we will work on expanding opportunities for the School to come together. While we already have some such opportunities, including the student awards ceremony and commencement, I’d also like to help our community share research ideas, learn about each other and our collective strengths, and engage in some good old-fashioned fun via social events now that gathering safely seems possible again.  We are a community, and I want help everyone express that!
• Remember to prioritize your well-being. Everyone is well aware of the toll that Covid has taken on seemingly everything, not the least of which are those who have experienced direct loss.  As the warmer months arrive, I encourage everyone to remember your own well-being.  A simple way to do this is to take a few moments outside and disconnect from your devices.  Remember to take time to reboot.
• What differentiates the School of Earth and Environment. The three departments in the School are diverse in their methodological approaches and theoretical lenses, but all share a common focus on the environment, whether natural or built. We also all share a pedagogy informed by field work and field observation. The Dean’s Office is committed to this dimension of our unique identity.

There is great hope for the fall semester and a further return to normalcy as the pandemic hopefully continues to fade.  However, we must remain flexible and prepared to adapt as the situation warrants.  Our community has displayed remarkable resilience that is an inspiration to our students, and that is a cause for celebration.  Let us not forget that!  You have my best wishes for a productive, restful, and most of all, safe, summer season.