Dean's Message

Dear CTSA community,

As we embark on another promising academic year, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you through the pages of this issue of CONNECT. We delve into “Creative Wayfinding,” what it means to CTSA, and how it encapsulates our steadfast commitment to our students, the community and the future we are shaping together.

Creative wayfinding is not just a navigational tool; it embodies our deliberate dedication to empowering students. It presents an expansive atlas to help envision multiple potential paths for personal and artistic growth. It also includes a compass represented by our community of supporters. These tools affirm the quest for purpose and direction as a fundamental strength. Being self-reflective about where we have been, where we are, and want to go is the fuel for making powerful connections to self, work and community.

An important blueprint for creative wayfinding lies in the shared experiences of those who have walked similar paths before us. Witnessing fellow travelers in the full bloom of their journeys cultivates a sense of belonging and leads to recognizing how our individual talents provide a beacon that illuminates our trajectories and widens pathways. Ultimately, when we see other people like ourselves ahead on the road, in the fullness of their journey, it inspires us to feel in community and to realize that our gifts are opening doors even wider for the next generation.

In this issue, we meet many people who show the power of creative wayfinding in how they advocate for our students and communities. They are forging pathways, nurturing relationships and being change agents. You will meet several faculty who mentor and empower our students to find their path, whether well-defined or trailblazing. You will learn more about our new Arts Launch Program, made possible by our generous partner Steve Sorensen, which will produce professional pathways for both regional arts organizations and our students. You will read about many of our art students, including alumni who built the Phase Gallery and are creating space for other alums to exhibit and meet, and current M.F.A. candidate Alberto Lule, who will present a thought-provoking exhibition with Professor Liz Glynn in the fall.

In the spirit of Creative Wayfinding, let us stride forward together, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I wish us all an inspiring and transformative year ahead.

Tiffany Ana López, Ph.D.

Dean