Message from the Dean: Academic Year 2007-2008
This time last year, I wrote to introduce myself as the new Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at McDaniel and to share my hopes and aspirations for the future. Now, a year later, I am pleased to report that we have accomplished a great deal. I want to share some of the most important developments with you.

Programs
Through a grant from the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, McDaniel established The Center for the Study of Aging, offering graduate and continuing education programs designed to meet the challenges we face in caring for our nation’s aging population.

Beginning in February 2008, students in our Human Resources Development program can take advantage of new satellite offerings in the Baltimore/Washington corridor, reaching professionals right where they live and work.

People
Graduate and Professional Studies welcomed 11 new faculty and staff members, including coordinators for the Curriculum and Instruction, Human Resources Development, Special Education, and Master of Liberal Arts programs. Graduate and Professional Studies has revitalized the advisory boards for each of our programs, gaining valuable input from leading practitioners in their respective fields.

Scholarship
Our faculty continued to produce valuable scholarship. Thomas Zirpoli published the fifth edition of Behavior Management: Applications for Teachers with contributions from McDaniel colleagues Julia Orza, Janet Medina and Stephanie Madsen. Ramona Kerby completed Collection Development for the School Library Media Program. 

Technology
In August, McDaniel will adopt a new computing system that integrates the College’s email, Archway and Blackboard applications.  The new system will be more effective for users like you, but will require updates to your current account. Please pay close attention to McDaniel email announcements about the changes. 

The Future
We have new goals for Graduate and Professional Studies in 2007-08. We are bolstering our online course offerings to provide more options for busy students like you. Our faculty is building the foundation for a new graduate program for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). We also are exploring ways to help students study in exciting new environments including overseas options for graduate study.

To learn more about your needs and goals, we will establish a Graduate Student Council, representing the viewpoints of various candidates from different programs.

It has been a pleasure working with the students, faculty and staff of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Like you, I look forward to a promising new academic year at McDaniel.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sherri Lind Hughes
Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies