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Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) alumni newsletter! I am Harvey James, Director of the Division. I have been serving in the role as Director or Interim Director since November 2022. Previous Division Directors include Joe Parcell (2017-2022), Jill Findeis (2011-2017), and the late Mike Nolan (1995-2011). DASS is one of six Divisions within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Our focus is on the social sciences. The other five divisions (animal science, plant science, food science, environmental and natural resource science, and biochemistry) emphasize the sciences. If you think of the sciences as pillars or silos (vertically), then as a social sciences division, DASS cuts across all of them (horizontally). Because we intersect and interact with the other college divisions, I like to think of DASS as the glue that holds the college together. The Division has four undergraduate programs: agribusiness management, agricultural education and leadership, hospitality management, and personal financial planning. There are also graduate programs in agricultural and applied economics, agricultural education, and personal financial planning. Our Division is currently undergoing a strategic planning process. Part of that process included the development of a new mission statement for the Division, as follows: The Division of Applied Social Sciences is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice through effective teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement. We strive to bridge the gap between social and natural sciences, to enhance the capabilities of individuals, communities, and enterprises in the agricultural system and beyond, and to prepare students to address complex societal challenges and make a positive impact in a world of opportunity. By fostering a culture of community, creativity, collaboration, and commitment to lifelong learning, we ensure that our teaching, research, and engagement efforts are informed by social context, human needs, and robust scientific methods. We aim to deliver a small college experience within a large university, providing personalized attention and cultivating strong connections among students, faculty, and staff. Read More >> Harvey James
Director, Division of Applied Social Sciences |
