Summer is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs; recognize the incredible generosity that fuels our future; and look forward to the continued growth of our college community.
One of the most amazing moments in our recent history is the irrevocable estate gift made by longtime donor Dan Black. His legacy of sharing both time and treasure will forever be memorialized within the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. This extraordinary gift isn’t just about the resources it provides; it also represents a powerful vote of confidence in the future of our college. Dan’s contribution offers freedom that will empower future NSM deans to nurture excellence and bring the innovative ideas of our faculty and students to life. We are grateful for Dan’s vision, and we know this gift will continue to inspire and enable generations of students and faculty to come.
Speaking of innovative ideas, we are thrilled to support faculty proposals that have the potential to transform education at our college. Through the Dean’s Excellence Fund, we can directly fund projects that show great promise but need financial investment to progress. The first six “Best Good Ideas” projects, developed by our exceptional faculty members, were selected based on their potential to make a lasting impact on students and contribute to the college’s mission. It will be incredibly fulfilling to see ideas that may have once seemed out of reach come to life.
At NSM, student-faculty research is an integral part of our DNA. The Los Angeles Basin CSU Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) Program – which has now been part of Cal State Fullerton for three decades – is a phenomenal example. This program not only allows students to engage in groundbreaking research but also provides the opportunity for international study – a combination that truly enriches their educational experience. MHRT is a stellar example of how we are integrating research into our students’ academic journeys.
Another example is Project RAISE, which offers vital opportunities for our transfer students to immerse themselves in research projects. It also provides academic support and community-building opportunities these students need as they work toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As I reflect on our college’s progress, I am also deeply inspired by the continued involvement of our alumni, who play such a vital role in our community. Alumni like Tom Devine are the living embodiments of the success we strive to create for our students. Tom has gone on to achieve great heights in his field and has come back to share his experiences with current students. He is a testament to the impact of a degree from NSM as well as a reminder of the strong, ongoing bond that exists between our alumni and the college. We are proud to see our graduates reach new pinnacles, and we are equally grateful when they reach back to support the next generation.
I’m filled with excitement about the momentum we have, and we will continue to focus on empowering our students and faculty members to do great things, no matter the challenges we face. At NSM, we are united by a shared vision: to push the boundaries of knowledge, advance scientific inquiry, and contribute meaningfully to society. The energy we’ve cultivated together is unmatched, and it will continue to fuel our progress.
I want to thank each of you – our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and industry partners – for your continued dedication to our mission. Together, we are building something extraordinary, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.
Marie Johnson, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
