Students, faculty and staff,

On September 9, 2021, the College of Arts and Sciences hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Science and Engineering Complex. The event was originally slated for the prior week, but, due to Hurricane Ida, we had to reschedule it. By the time the day of the celebration arrived, we were several weeks into the new academic year and it was the first date after the celebration of Rosh Hashanah which marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish tradition. What timing! In many ways, this complex marks a new year, new hopes, and new dreams for the College of Arts and Sciences and the entire UAB institution.

We believe this building will bolster a thriving interdisciplinary community — a community where innovative research emerges and all students will come to see themselves and to identify as scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators. This new complex is designed to not simply be a place where students pass through on their way to another class, but where they will feel welcomed to study, meet with their peers and faculty, and where they will feel a sense of belonging; a sense of home.

As the College looks to the future, we know this complex will provide us with opportunities to accomplish amazing feats as new discoveries support CAS in leading our state in improving all aspects of health, in creating and using new technologies to improve society, and in working to build more just and inclusive communities. We look forward to keeping our alumni community and partners up-to-date as we embark on this new era in the CAS journey. I will therefore close by wishing you a Shana Tova! I hope you will join me in welcoming and celebrating this brave new day for CAS and UAB.

Kecia M. Thomas
Dean
College of Arts and Sciences