This has been a great year!  I have very much enjoyed serving as the Interim Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, but I am very happy to welcome Bill Easterling, director of Penn State’s Institutes of Energy and the Environment and professor of geography and earth system science, as the new Dean of the College.  Bill will begin his appointment effective July 1, 2007. 
 
As we reflect on the history of the College, time and time again, we see EMS leading the way.  When we look to the future, we know this isn’t going to change.  The vision that began with Charlie Hosler, evolved with John Dutton, and was enhanced by Eric Barron is still very much in place. Bill Easterling plans to continue to focus on strengthening our position as a world leader in the earth, material, and energy sciences and engineering.  EMS has a vision of where we need to go—we have the ability and—most importantly we have the loyalty of our alumni and friends to get us there.   This College plans to play a major role in Penn State’s new emphasis on energy science and engineering. 
 
We also intend to become a major component of Penn State’s evolution as a global institution. Michael Adewumi, director of AESEDA has been named the inaugural UNESCO chair in georesources management at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. The phenomenal potential for the growth of AESEDA provides exciting and diverse research and educational opportunities involving a wide range of programs at Penn State. International partnerships and partnerships with other U.S. institutions involving collaborative teaching, faculty and student exchange, capacity building programs and joint research, provide a very exciting opportunity for a new managing director of AESEDA—an opportunity that I could not resist.
 
I am excited about the upcoming initiatives in AESEDA, and delighted to work with Michael to embark on a new challenge as the Managing Director. However, this means I have had to step down as the Associate Dean for Education.  I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in this capacity over the last 14 years, especially with our enhanced student-centered activities, but feel it is time to pass the torch. I am looking forward to working with the new Associate Dean of Education to ensure the continued success of EMS.   
 
I would like to take this final opportunity to thank you for your continued dedication and support to the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences during my terms as Associate Dean for Education and Interim Dean of the College. And, I look forward to building new relationships as I embrace the future of AESEDA.