A Letter from Dr. Karen Riley

Good morning Regis,

It is October and the seasons are definitely turning. The angle of the sun is shifting and temperatures are cooling. We are truly blessed to live and work in such a beautiful place. 

Last week we were able to share with the Board of Trustees a summary of the scholarly and creative works of the faculty for the 2021-2022 academic year. The results were very impressive with a 33% increase in publications and 125% increase in presentations over the past year. I encourage you to explore the 6th Annual Celebration of Scholarly Accomplishments. Thank you to Alan Stark for compiling these works!  

As I shared in the opening letter of the booklet, historically universities have been charged with both creating and disseminating knowledge and creative works. Current societal challenges require a collaborative approach to knowledge creation that expands the audience and the modality, extending the effect and elevating the impact. The faculty of Regis University have embraced their roles as members of the academy and the works not only represent the efforts of the past academic year, but of years of study, dedication, and focus.

Scholarship and creative works are at the core of the Regis mission to build a more just and humane world through transformative education at the frontiers of faith, reason, and culture. Our collective scholarly and creative work reflects a commitment to our mission as well as to the broader society resting on the core Jesuit value of contemplatives in action, not merely thinking about social problems but taking action to address them. Creative works and intentional scholarship serve our society in meaningful ways, all designed to advance and improve the human condition. At Regis University there is a fundamental desire to effectively connect teaching, research, practice, and service with meaningful social change. 

From “Different microfluidic environments for in vitro testing of lipid nanoparticles against Osteosarcoma” to “Journalism practice in Uganda: In a nation transitioning to democracy, challenges remain”, from poems to books, from murals to journals, the depth and breadth of this work reflects the talent and extraordinary work of this faculty. Their contributions serve as the foundation for, or extension of, scholarly work that will impact education, science, art, and literature well into the future.  Their work will live on and serves in many ways as a legacy of their membership within the broader academy. The work also extends the reputation of Regis University, its students, and alumni. It is through this scholarly and creative work that Regis University can and will raise its profile locally and nationally. Our faculty are advancing the scholarly and creative trajectory of Regis University and I am humbled to serve as the Provost. Please join me in congratulating our colleagues on their impressive achievements.

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Karen