USU College of Arts & Sciences Commences, Prepares for 2025-26 Academic Year

Utah State University’s College of Arts & Sciences officially began operations on July 1, merging the former colleges of Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, and the Caine College of the Arts.

“Our faculty and staff have rallied to provide uninterrupted services to our students and fellow employees as we enter a new chapter,” said Joseph Ward, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “We are excited to embark on a new academic year building on Utah State’s pioneering land-grant mission to provide transformative educational experiences and to enhance the quality of life for Utah communities, our nation and the world.”

The new college, known informally as “ArtSci,” encompasses the departments of Art + Design; Biology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Communication and Media; English; History, Cultures and Ideas; Mathematics and Statistics; Music; Physics; Social Work; Theatre Arts; World Languages and Cultures; and the School of Social Sciences.

Embedded in the college is the Caine School of the Arts, which is dedicated to promoting the arts and arts education on campus and in the community.

“We are brimming with interdisciplinary ideas and energy with our newly streamlined operations,” said Michelle Baker, biology professor and newly appointed director of infrastructure planning, who formerly served as science college dean. “ArtSci’s administrative efficiency fosters collaborative, innovative research and learning opportunities, aimed at preparing students for meaningful careers.”

According to Nicholas Morrison, director of the Caine School of the Arts, the college’s diverse and dynamic assembly of disciplines cultivates artistry, creativity, innovation and a highly impactful educational experience.

“By aligning our programs and people, we’re broadening student experiences and strengthening community engagement,” Morrison said. “We’re adding value to USU’s traditional strengths in academic excellence and impactful outreach.”

The newly combined college is part of USU’s strategic reallocation plan, prompted by recent state legislation, aimed at optimizing the use of public resources to amplify student learning and occupational opportunities while enriching Utah communities. While the structural changes are significant, students’ degree programs, course offerings and advising experiences will remain largely the same, with no interruption to their academic progress.

This transition includes a new college website and the following associate dean appointments:

• Rebecca Walton, executive associate dean.
• Julia Gossard, faculty success.
• Susie Tibbitts, undergraduate studies.
• Brynja Kohler, undergraduate studies.
• Sean Johnson, research & graduate studies.

For more information about the college's leadership, visit the website’s College Leadership page.

Similar transitions at approximately 15 other land-grant institutions across the country have seen notable benefits, including:

• Increased opportunities for cross-promotion.
• More integrated student experiences.
• Stronger interdisciplinary programs.
• Opportunities for innovative cross-curricular collaboration.
• Growth in student engagement and enrollment.
• Expanded research opportunities across disciplines.
• Greater visible impact within local communities.

More than 5,200 students are currently enrolled in the college. Summer semester courses and fall orientation events are currently underway. Fall 2025 semester classes begin Aug. 25.