Colleges merge with collaborative effort to build healthy communities

September 14, 2021 (Volume 45, Number 2)
Article by Brian Vernellis

Sherril Soman, dean of the College of Education and Community Innovation

Prior to the 2021-2022 academic year, the College of Education and College of Community and Public Service merged to create the College of Education and Community Innovation.

The move united departments focused on education, social work, criminology, philanthropy and legal studies with hospitality, health, nonprofit, and public management and policy.

The collaborative effort across disciplines will help build healthy communities, promote equity and social responsibility, and provide quality research and data toward that goal.

“While the college was created to support administrative efficiencies, we see opportunities for interdisciplinary synergies because of our shared focus on community engagement, social justice, and our support for societal structures,” said Sherril Soman, dean of CECI.

About 4,000 students are enrolled in CECI majors in eight undergraduate and 12 graduate programs.

“Through our programs, we educate students to become professionals within fields in which a broader understanding of the larger community remains essential,” said Soman.