From the Dean

This issue of the New Educator focuses on ‘Partnerships.” You will read about partnerships that occur locally, nationally and globally, and all are equally important to the mission of our college. No doubt many of you have read the book The World Is Flat; and the author, Thomas L. Friedman, tells us that to “flourish in this flat world,” you need “the right imagination and the right motivation.” Certainly partnerships require these components, but they aren’t always synchronous. Partnerships and joint ventures need to be envisioned and they need to be acted upon. What is the “right imagination”—it involves exploring new ideas, embracing new challenges, and creating new models. What is the “right motivation”—it comes from a belief in mutual benefit, an understanding of how being responsive and entrepreneurial can go hand-in-hand, and a common commitment to solving complex problems and creating solutions that otherwise could not occur.

Partnerships are no longer culturally or even geographically limited. Although the partnerships you will read about are greatly enabled by new information technologies, technology, alone, cannot sustain distance relationships separated by a few miles or an ocean. Sustainable partnerships are created and made possible through person-to-person connections. They also require mutual investment whether monetary or human resources; and to be sustainable, they must result in mutual benefit. Among the core values of this college is an enduring commitment to building relationships and expanding our “reach” through academic programs, research and service. These partnerships have tapped the imagination and motivation of individuals who see a “flat world.”

The partnerships that you will read about are but examples of our commitment to working with local schools and communities, to being a major player in the national policy arena, and to expanding our reach globally. Indeed, much of our time and effort is dedicated to working with others around the state, nation and world. And, certainly, we have benefited from a range of

Carole Ames
Dean, College of Education

collaborations in conducting research and delivering programs. Local, national and global collaborations are an important part of our planning and future. We can only survive and thrive in this “flat world” with them. We know this, and we embrace this reality.
 

We hope you share our enthusiasm about the many programs and profiles you will read about in this issue. At the same time, we invite you to visit the college, attend one or more of our many events and explore news on our Web site. We appreciate your continued support and investment in our future. We are committed to excellence and strive to reach new heights.

 

Carole Ames, Dean