Posted on August 24, 2026 by University College
University College Dean Jianwei Niu welcomes the college's faculty, staff and students to a new academic year and shares recent highlights about the expansion of the college's academic programs, research enterprise and investment in student success.
Portrait of Jianwei Niu, PhD, dean of University College
Dear University College Faculty, Staff and Students,
As we begin a new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to our students, faculty, staff, and partners. The start of a semester is always a time of excitement, and this year is no exception as we continue to expand our academic programs, strengthen our research enterprise, and invest in initiatives that support student success. Together, we are building on a strong foundation and positioning our college for an even brighter future.
While campus may have been quieter over the summer, work across the college continued at a rapid pace. Here are just a few highlights:
Expanding Academic Opportunities
One of our most significant developments is the expansion of the Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) program into its own department, driven in large part by enrollment growth at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Led by Dr. Michael Newell, the department reflects the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of education and research, providing students with innovative pathways that bridge traditional academic boundaries. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Karen Daas, who led both the MDST and Academic Introduction & Strategies programs for many years. Dr. Daas will continue to oversee the AIS program.
Building on this momentum, we are developing a new Master of Science degree focused on national security and critical technology. This innovative program reflects the growing need for leaders who can navigate the complex intersection of emerging technologies, national defense, cybersecurity, and public policy. By preparing graduates to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, this degree further strengthens our commitment to delivering relevant, forward-thinking academic programs that meet workforce and societal needs.
Advancing Research and Innovation
Our research enterprise also continues to grow with the establishment of a new research center, the Multidisciplinary Applied Research Center (MARC), built upon the foundation of our Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) with the U.S. Army and the work we’ve been doing with other colleges across the university. This new center will expand opportunities for collaborative research, applied innovation, and engagement with government and industry partners. By leveraging our expertise and relationships, we are creating a platform that will elevate our impact, strengthen research opportunities for faculty and students, and address critical challenges of national and global importance.
Investing in Student Success
Student success remains the heart of our work, and I am proud to highlight several exciting developments. Over the summer, we held our very first week-long Hospitality and Event Management (HEM) summer immersion program. This initiative provided 17 students with an engaging experience that combined academic exploration, tours of local hospitality businesses, delicious food, and meaningful connections with faculty, peers, and employers.
Beyond new programming opportunities, we are also enhancing the spaces that support student success. The UC Student Success Center has relocated to a new, larger space in Room 2.204D on the second floor of the Graduate School and Research (GSR) building. The expanded center includes dedicated offices for staff, as well as meeting rooms and collaborative spaces designed to better serve our students. As a reminder, the Student Success Center provides resources, support services, and opportunities for collaboration that help students thrive academically and professionally. These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every student can succeed.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we have accomplished together and energized by the opportunities before us. Thank you for your dedication, partnership, and commitment to excellence. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the coming year and wish you a successful and rewarding semester.
Best wishes for a great start to the academic year!
Jianwei Niu, PhD
Dean, University College
Hispanic Serving Institution Endowed Chair
— University College
