A&S Faculty Come Together to Launch ASP
About 100 individuals from across the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) braved the elements on February 12 for the launch of Shaping the Future: Innovation, Engagement and Impact, the College’s new five-year Academic Strategic Plan (ASP). Built on the College’s long-standing tradition of tackling complex global challenges—from climate change and public health to evolving technologies—the ASP outlines a bold framework for deepening hands-on research, strengthening community partnerships and preparing students to meaningfully shape an ever-changing world.
The launch event served as an early opportunity for faculty to contribute to the ASP’s four pillars and envision how their teaching, research and community work can support its goals. Interactive stations invited participants to explore the plan’s themes, offer feedback and learn about opportunities to join pillar working groups as founding members. There were even creative activities, such as an “ASP Passport,” a LEGO Build Your Vision challenge and a haiku competition, which helped spark conversation, collaboration and momentum as the College begins implementing the plan.
The photo gallery below captures the excitement and enthusiasm throughout the event, as faculty came together to help lay the groundwork for A&S’ transformative vision.
(From left) A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi talks with Forensics faculty members Kathleen Corrado, Caitlin Miller and James Crill.
A&S faculty line up to check in at the ASP kickoff event.
Physics professors Nidhi Pashine (left) and Mirna Skanata (right) with their Lego creations.
Mirna Skanata’s Lego design representing “mobile outreach.”
A Lego creation showcasing the impact of climate change and the importance of environmental action.
Professors Tao Wen (left) and Anne Leone (right) talking with Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives Gwendolyn Pough (center) at the Culture, Community and Change pillar table.
(From left) Sarah Karalunas, Cobb-Jones Endowed Professor and chair of psychology, Gail Bulman, professor and chair of LLL, Lois Agnew, Vice Chancellor and Provost, and Brice Nordquist, Dean’s Professor of Community Engagement, chat during the ASP launch event.
Forensics faculty members Caitlin Miller (left) and Kathleen Corrado participating in the ASP "Write a Haiku Challenge: Imagine Our Future."
Matt Kennedy, executive director of operations and strategy for A&S, announcing winners of the Haiku challenge.
A clever and heartfelt haiku reading, "A friend to nature requires heart and vision, repair our crisis."
Biology professors Angela Oliverio (center) and Heather Coleman (right) talk with Andrea Persin (left) and Jen Stone at the “Show Me the Money” station.
Physics faculty members Denver Whittington and Christian Santangelo talk about the latest developments in the field at the Innovative Technologies pillar with Interim Associate Dean for Creativity, Scholarship and Research Alan Middleton.
Director of the Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation Joe Ditre and Assistant Professor of African American Studies and Executive Director of the Community Folk Art Center Tanisha Jackson discuss community health and wellness.
Published: Feb. 13, 2026
Media Contact: asnews@syr.edu