I came to the University
of Wyoming to serve as director of the now African American and Diaspora
Studies program and as a faculty member in the Department of Communication and
Journalism. I welcomed the opportunity to join colleagues I had worked with and
known in academic organizations throughout the years. The university is a great
place to learn and participate in sports, student groups, social justice activism,
and a thriving Greek community. At the university, our international focus has flourished,
with students from all over the world studying at UW and a strong study abroad
program in which hundreds of students travel during winter break, summer
session or during the academic year to countries around the globe. I have a philosophy
that learning by doing is an essential component of your personal and
professional growth, and I have watched students grow over the years as young professionals
and future leaders for Wyoming and beyond.
UW provides me the opportunity to teach, lead and participate in the shared
governance of this outstanding institution of higher learning. As an associate
dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, over time I have watched hundreds of
students literally reach for the stars through our physics and astronomy
department, tell the visceral story of the human experience through their
studies in English, journalism, American Indian studies or history, as well as
master the sciences in the Departments of Botany and Zoology and Physiology.
Someone once said it is not the destination but the journey-the people, places and events you encounter along the way-that matter most. I think making UW a part of your journey holds a plethora of opportunities for the present and future.
Gracie Lawson-Borders
Associate Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
