CEHS and CHaSS Champion Collaboration for Annual Fall College Retreat

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) held its annual college retreat on August 15. Traditionally, the annual retreat is an opportunity to gather, learn about the many successes and initiatives happening among the departments, centers, programs, and institutes in the college, and to interact on a more personal level. For the 2024 retreat, an added element was the opportunity for an intercollege session with staff and faculty of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHaSS). Dean Al Smith, CEHS, and Dean Joe Ward, CHaSS, opened the session with welcoming remarks.

“Collaborating makes sense for our colleges,” says Dean Smith. “It drives motivation, deepens connections, and brings together two colleges that thrive in helping individuals and communities flourish.”

Prior to the joint retreat portion of the event, the deans presented overviews of their respective colleges. Dean Smith began by recognizing the faculty and staff awards recipients as well as faculty members who have been recently promoted. He also reviewed college data for the 2023-2024 academic year, CEHS within the context of higher education, and various ongoing initiatives. Following the individual college meetings, CHaSS and CEHS combined into two breakout sessions for staff and faculty.

“Opportunities for Connection and Collaboration” was designed for all college faculty and any staff who have a research focus in their work responsibilities. Attendees were welcomed by Deans Smith and Ward followed by a presentation from Associate Deans Shawn Whiteman and Julia Gossard about collaborative research opportunities. Finally, Associate Deans Sylvia Read and Jared Colton presented about opportunities for academic collaboration.

Shawn Whiteman, associate dean of research for CEHS, said about the joint retreat, “We are excited to work with colleagues from CHaSS and the Quinney College of Natural Resources to investigate and address disparities in health and education across Utah and the nation. Our hope is that, by coordinating efforts across multiple colleges, we will enhance existing programs as well as stimulate new interdisciplinary collaborations that further research and scholarship at USU.”

For staff members of both colleges, Dean Ward and Dean Smith held an open-forum Q&A session. During this meeting, both deans encouraged and motivated staff members. “We are here to give support by creating an engaging environment in the workplace. Our dedication as a college is to give our staff full support in their roles,” Dean Smith shared, “Our staff is the engine that helps our students and faculty thrive.”

Dean Ward added, “Continue to thrive in your role. We are grateful as deans for our staff, we need you.” The final presentation was given by Nicole Schrubb, associate director of organizational development and training at Utah State University. She shared the various ways staff members can thrive in their work life.

Following the breakout sessions, CEHS and CHaSS faculty and staff, along with their families and significant others, enjoyed a catered BBQ dinner and games and activities on the campus quad. Welcome back CEHS and CHaSS!