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I am pleased to welcome Valery Forbes, Ph.D., as dean of the . Her appointment to lead ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ’s second largest college, which enrolls more than 8,500 students, became effective on August 10. Dr. Forbes brings more than 25 years of experience as a distinguished academic leader and researcher, and we are thrilled to have her join the University’s renowned scientific community.

Dr. Forbes received a Ph.D. in coastal oceanography and a master’s degree in marine environmental science from Stony Brook University, and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Binghamton University.

As the former dean of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Forbes managed a $100 million budget and spearheaded major capital projects, including the development of a $110 million biomanufacturing innovation center. Additionally, she launched a successful Dean’s Research Program and led UMN to join the University of California Partnership for Faculty Diversity, which is a pipeline program to attract diverse postdocs and facilitate their path to become tenure-track faculty. Dr. Forbes’ impressive history of accomplishments strongly resonates with ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ’s mission and objectives, making her an excellent fit to support the University’s upward trajectory.

The Schmidt College of Science currently encompasses eight academic programs and eight cutting-edge research centers that address each of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ’s four strategic research pillars: HBOI, I-BRAIN, I-HEALTH, and I-SENSE. With an esteemed record of producing international and interdisciplinary partnerships, Dr. Forbes plans to build upon the success of these existing enterprises to generate expansive growth in key areas.

We look forward to watching the Schmidt College of Science and its student body flourish under Dr. Forbes’ deanship. Please join me in welcoming her to the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ family as she begins her new role this week.