Welcome from the Dean


Photo of Lisa A. Tedesco

Dear Colleagues,

The 2017–18 academic year is almost officially underway, and I would like to warmly welcome our new LGS students, and welcome back our continuing students, faculty and staff. We are excited to have you with us for another productive year of research, discovery and innovation.

As a top-ranked research university, we compete for the very best students, and we believe that you are the intellectual leaders of tomorrow. You have trusted us to provide you with a world-class education, with world class faculty – all in a place where you can do your best work.

As part of our investment in your education, we want to be sure that you are as prepared as you can be for the professional pathways you choose.  I encourage you to participate in our extensive professional development and career planning programming, designed to benefit your professional development no matter where you are in your graduate journey. Visit Professional Development on our website to learn more, and be on the lookout for weekly emails from us that bring your attention to upcoming opportunities.  

As the year gets underway, I also encourage you to get involved in the LGS community and share your views and voices with us and your colleagues. There are a number of graduate student organizations that are full of opportunities to become involved, including the Laney Graduate Student Council or GSC. As the official student-elected body of LGS, the GSC provides feedback to LGS on important student matters. But it’s not all business. The GSC also hosts social events for students and works throughout the year to provide opportunities for students to get together and have fun.  

I look forward to the year ahead, and on behalf of the Laney Graduate School, welcome and welcome back!  My very best wishes for all success this academic year. 

Warmest regards,

Lisa A. Tedesco, PhD
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs – Graduate Studies
Dean, James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies
Professor, Rollins School of Public Health