August 1, 2025

Greetings Staff and Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences,

 

As we enter August, this week brings important updates and transitions for the College of Arts and Sciences.

First, we’re currently gathering with our Board of Visitors for a retreat at the Neltje Center. This time together offers a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of the college in depth. We’re grateful to our Board members for their service and are looking forward to hearing their ideas on college priorities and growth.

 

Additionally, please help us welcome a couple new team members to our A&S community. Brian Hinman has joined the Ross Hall shared staff center as the new Office Associate. Brian, a Laramie native and UW psychology alum, will be supporting Anthropology, Philosophy & Religious Studies, Communication & Journalism, and American Cultural Studies. Welcome, Brian! I’m also thrilled to share that Alexis Ontiveroz will be joining the Neltje Center team as an accountant beginning August 18. Alexis brings over a decade of experience from serving as a senior office associate for the College of Education and will assist with the financial management of the Neltje Center and the Jentel Artist Residency. Welcome, Alexis!

 

In additional Neltje Center news, there is currently an open call for A&S faculty to propose an intensive period of study, a multi-day project or workshop with a small group any time during the 2025-26 academic year or summer semester. Mini-residencies typically last 3-4 days and are led by one or two faculty on-site at the Neltje Center with a select group of 3-6 students or colleagues. Additional housing for larger groups may be accommodated. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis, and dates are limited. You are encouraged to apply several months in advance to get your first choice of dates as the Neltje Center calendar is booking up fast! Learn more and apply here.

 

This week also marks the end of my tenure as Interim Dean. I want to take a moment to thank the college community for your support and patience throughout this time. I know these transitions haven't always been easy, but we've done our best to make them as smooth as possible — and I’m confident the same will hold true for this one.

 

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire A&S Dean’s Office Team. Their dedication, hard work, and support over the past eight months has been incredible. I couldn’t have navigated this role without such a strong and collaborative group beside me.

 

I look forward to returning to my previous role as Associate Dean and continuing to serve the college in that capacity. Welcome back, Dean Turpen!

 

Sincerely,

Adrienne Freng