Dear Simmons Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni,
The tragic events
that unfolded in our city recently have left us with loss and sorrow, and as we reflect on what has happened, let us acknowledge the importance of community and the strength it brings. We see efforts across our city that allow us to stand together and heal, and for that we are grateful.
that unfolded in our city recently have left us with loss and sorrow, and as we reflect on what has happened, let us acknowledge the importance of community and the strength it brings. We see efforts across our city that allow us to stand together and heal, and for that we are grateful.At this time, I wish to express my confidence in SMU and the Simmons School to do what we do best: To be a site where ideas and challenges can be examined, and solutions can be formulated. Simmons is a place that respects the human experience. With great care, we train our students to excel in the fields of education, counseling, dispute resolution, interdisciplinary studies, health and wellness. And our students give back. Naturally we are proud of their work with children, families, and institutions.
I am committed for us to continue the trajectory we began in the spring—namely to bring about more dialog about our role in academia by looking at diversity and the people we serve. We will count on each other to elevate our potential and contribute to the good of the whole. Our intellectual aim, as we like to say, is to change minds, but we also know that changed hearts are just as powerful.
Thank you for everything you do, and even though the days ahead may be a struggle, President Gerald Turner reminds us in his message to SMU that we must move forward by learning and listening. I know we will.
Warm regards,
Paige Ware, Ph.D.
Leon Simmons Endowed Dean ad interim
Beautifully said, Dean Ware!