Dr. Greg Schrock, Associate Professor and School DirectorDearest Toulan School friends and family,
Winter term is wrapping up, and Spring is just about upon us. There are many exciting things going on here at the Toulan School (and beyond) that I'm happy to share with you.
President Ann Cudd and her team, led by Dr. Sheila Martin, have been leading a Strategic Planning process this winter that will shape the future direction of PSU. This included a “Heart of PSU” survey and a series of engagement events in February, leading to the formulation of “strategic imperatives” to be announced in the coming months.
In January the College of Urban and Public Affairs launched its search for its first permanent dean since 2019. Three finalists will be visiting campus in early April, with the new dean expected to join us in the summer.
In February the Toulan School welcomed a new Department Manager, Kia Mendoza, to succeed Nora Quiros, who took a position as PSU Director of Events. Kia joins the Toulan School from the CUPA Dean’s Office, where she was an Executive Support Specialist, and prior to that, she worked as a special education teacher in California and Oregon.
In February the Toulan School faculty approved the creation of a Bachelor + Master program (B+M) to connect the School’s revised undergraduate major (Community, Urban Studies & Planning) and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. The B+M program will allow students to begin MURP coursework in their senior year and reduce the total number of credits needed to complete both degrees.
There is much to look forward to in the Spring! PSU Day of Giving is coming up April 17-18, and once again this year the Tony Lamb Racial Justice Fund will be among the featured funds. This year we are aiming to raise $2,500, so please consider supporting this scholarship. We also have a MURP Spring Social coming up on Friday, April 5 and Planning Workshop final presentations on Monday, June 3.
Enjoy the Spring weather—I wish you all the best.
Greg Schrock, PhD
Associate Professor and School Director
Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning