Catrine Tudor-Locke

Many of you were on campus that fateful day. I had just signed my contract to become your next Dean of the College of Health and Human Services and I was actually teaching an undergraduate class on a different campus, at my previous institution, that same night. After class, I heard the news and my heart broke for all my soon-to-be new students and colleagues. The faces of the students who sat in my own class just moments before flashed before me. Like many, I felt helpless and ineffectual as I transmitted my own heartfelt condolences and assurances of unity and perseverance to you, my dear colleagues. I could hardly wait until I would be able to join you that fall. Watching the campus and community responses from afar, I knew without any doubt that I was meant to be part of the Niner Nation.