As a history professor, I often asked my senior project students: “Is this a story of continuity or change?” The stories in this Impact magazine are a bit of both.

This past year brought significant change—on campus and beyond. At Cal Poly, that included integration with Cal Poly Maritime Academy. In these pages, you’ll meet several outstanding Cal Poly Maritime faculty members who are now part of our English Department and the International Strategy and Security (ISS) program, newly housed in the Philosophy Department. While they remain based at the Cal Poly Solano Campus, we’re thrilled to welcome them into our college.

Over the last two years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly reshaped what it means to study the liberal arts. Yet in the ways that matter most, continuity prevails. We continue to emphasize critical and creative thinking, collaboration across differences and a Learn by Doing mindset. As you’ll read in the faculty op-eds, AI has only underscored the enduring importance of the liberal arts.

The college also continues to expand how we serve our broader community. This year, we’ve seen the continued growth of Cal Poly Arts’ outreach programs — made possible by generous donor support — and the launch of the new Sociology 2+2 Program in partnership with Allan Hancock College.

This year brought change for me too; I became CLA’s permanent dean in July. While the title may be new, the sense of purpose and inspiration I draw from our students, faculty, staff and alumni remains constant. I’m proud to be part of a college that embraces change while holding fast to what matters most.

Thank you for being part of that story.

Best wishes,
Kate Murphy
Dean, College of Liberal Arts