Welcome from the Dean

Stephen R. Jorgensen, PhD, Dean

Since 1900, the College of Human Environmental Sciences has played an instrumental role at the University of Missouri. Extending from deep, land-grant roots, we are the only human environmental sciences unit in Missouri housing a comprehensive array of teaching, research and extension programs. HES' six academic units offer outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs that make a difference in

the lives of individuals and families in our state, nation and world. We begin with those things most basic to people's lives – food, clothing, shelter, finances, family and community – then concentrate on the relationship between the human condition and the public and private spheres of human activity. We aim to be the place to which policymakers, business and community leaders, and others turn for research and education related to the human condition.

These are exciting times. During our more than 100 years of service, the College of Human Environmental Sciences has changed in tremendous ways. We are proud of our growth and having achieved a national reputation for strong, relevant programs in the human sciences. We also take pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, who represent the college with distinction in the professional fields of education, business and industry, technology, government and social services.

These are also trying times for our nation and world. More than ever we need the human touch in resolving conflicts. Through our students and faculty, we promote the ideas of enhancing the human spirit, nurturing the release of human potential for the betterment of society, and fostering positive human-environment interactions. We've come a long way, yet we have so much farther to go in our quest for goodwill and harmony among all peoples in this nation and world. I vow to you that in the College of Human Environmental Sciences we will do our best to realize this vision.

I find it harder and harder to keep from bragging about our students, faculty and alumni. As someone once said, “It ain't braggin' if it's true.” What makes us especially proud is that our accomplishments ( http://hes.missouri.edu/hespride.htm ) are taking place in the context of severe economic woes. State revenues continue to decline as we struggle in a recessionary economy, and state support for higher education continues to dwindle even more.

You would be interested to know that less than 50 percent of all expenditures in the College of HES come from state-allocated dollars. The rest of our budget is supplied by grant dollars secured by faculty members and the generous financial contributions of our supporters. The declining state resources allocated to MU and HES means that, more than ever before, the financial support of our loyal alumni and friends is critical to our ability to fulfill our mission.