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Dear Southern Alumni, A great deal has changed on our campus in the 25 years since Southern Connecticut State College became Southern Connecticut State University. Not only has the physical nature of Southern been transformed thanks to a massive injection of state bonding dollars, but the academic quality and community involvement of the university have grown and evolved to the point where we have become a distinctive institution. Southern has become a leader with respect to workforce and professional development training; online education; and graduate studies. Reflecting our roots, we still produce more state-licensed educators than any of our peers, and we have demonstrated our commitment to community engagement by establishing scores of K-12 formal relationships with focus on public schools in urban school districts. But our comprehensive nature is revealed by the fact that last year we also awarded more degrees in health/life sciences and social/public services than our three sister institutions combined. And a recent study reported that Southern taught introductory physics courses to more undergraduate students than any other university in the state—including Yale and the University of Connecticut. Among our peers, Southern has the highest percentage of women obtaining degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. We have the highest percentage of ethnic minority graduates employed after graduation. And we have the highest percentage of graduates employed nine months after earning their degree—79 percent. Our latest enrollment figures reflect the fact that Southern is becoming a university of choice for many students. A record 7,173 full-time undergraduate students have enrolled at Southern this fall, eclipsing the previous high of 7,117 set in 1972. The number of full-time graduate students enrolled this fall also contributed to a new record total full-time enrollment of 8,111 students. These and future students will continue to experience a campus in transformation. Some of the best news we received during the summer was the state Bond Commission’s approval of funds to extend our construction program. The first phase is nearing its end with the completion of a renewed, expanded Buley Library, which you can read about in this magazine’s cover story. The next phase will include design of a new science center on Fitch Street near Jennings Hall; design of the first of two new parking garages; and the remodeling of the former student center as a new home for the School of Business. Future projects include a Health and Human Services Building and a Fine Arts Instructional Center. As we continue to move forward, I would like to thank all of our alumni and friends who have taken an active interest in Southern and supported us through the last quarter century and beyond. I hope that many of you will take the opportunity to visit campus and experience the progress of change in person as we meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Dr. Cheryl J. Norton |
