Welcome. The Mission Statement for the College of Natural and Health Sciences correctly states that we offer students challenging educational experiences leading to competency in the major, preparation for employment, and to admission into clinical practice, graduate or professional schools. Our Mission also affirms that programs housed by the College provide both theoretical and applied studies designed to bring students and faculty together to address significant unresolved problems, scholarly issues and professional challenges. This is all true, but it doesn't quite answer the question of what you will DO after you graduate. The question is both important and complex, reflecting a concern for making a wise investment in time and energy. It is also a question well-rooted in practicality, efficiency, and a desire to have an answer for the inevitable encounter at the reunion picnic when you are asked what your future plans are.

Consider a similar question, raised by an aspiring student-driver. "Where can I go when I get my driver's license?" The answer seems obvious of course, they can go "anywhere they want." Anywhere provided that they make the investment in time and energy to learn the needed skills, allocate necessary resources, plan appropriately, and seek further training and instruction as the task requires. The same might be said of the university graduate, they too can go and do what they want, but with the right preparations.

What preparation does a degree from the College of Natural and Health Sciences provide? Certainly, our programs provide an excellent opportunity to gain competency in your major field through challenging and engaging courses stressing theory and application, and to gain preparation for employment, clinical practice or post baccalaureate education. However, a university education is more than that, it involves the transformation of individuals from students to scholars, from receivers of knowledge to creators of new knowledge, from professional prospects to professional colleagues. The university graduate carries away more than a just a paper diploma or certificate, you will carry a breadth and depth of learning that goes beyond a particular career choice. It is your development of a lifelong commitment to learning, of an appreciation and understanding of differing ideas and ideologies, and your continued development as an individual and professional, that empowers you as a citizen, prepares you for professional service, and opens your world to new possibilities.

What will you do with that degree? It is a question that really only you can answer, but you can count on the faculty and staff here in the College of Natural and Health Sciences to do all we can to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. The Personal Approach to education at LSSU centers on personal contact and I encourage you to stop by my office, or that of any of the faculty members, to discuss your career interests in more detail. I look forward to meeting you.