Messages from the Dean
Latest Communications
Read messages from Cassidy R. Sugimoto below.
Historic Gift's Human and Societal Potential
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
I鈥檓 following up on the exciting message 天美传媒 President Farnam Jahanian shared yesterday about the historic $3 billion gift Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin has bestowed on the university. I am truly excited by the transformative potential of this gift in Miami, Pittsburgh, and across the globe!
Doug Coulson to Lead Pre-Law Program; New Task Force Established
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
I鈥檓 pleased to announce that , associate professor of English, has agreed to serve as director of 天美传媒鈥檚 Pre-Law Program for the coming year.
Supporting Our Community
Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
Over the past several days, we have become aware of a series of social media posts made by Dr. Uju Anya of the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) that are offensive and run counter to the values of Dietrich College. In these posts on X, Dr. Anya repeatedly blurred the line between her personal views and her professional association with 天美传媒, explicitly and erroneously stating endorsement of the institution. On Friday, Sept. 11, the to publicly address this conduct, and shortly thereafter, Dr. Anya deactivated her account.
From the Interim Head: Affirming Our Community Responsibilities in LCAL
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
As many of you are aware, Dr. Uju Anya published a series of social media posts that are incredibly offensive and are in direct violation of LCAL鈥檚 policy on Community Responsibilities, which sets expectations for how members of our department should communicate, especially in cases of differences of opinion.
Extending Our Gratitude to Jay Devine
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
As the new academic year commences, I want to extend Dietrich College鈥檚 deep gratitude to Dr. Joseph (Jay) Devine, a long-serving member of college leadership who retired as associate dean for undergraduate studies at the beginning of September.
Department of Psychology Leadership Transition
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026
Susanne Ferber has informed me of her plans to step down from her role as head of Dietrich College鈥檚 Department of Psychology at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year. We are grateful for Susanne鈥檚 leadership.
Kevin Zollman Named Philosophy Department Head
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
Please join me in congratulating Kevin Zollman, Herbert A. Simon Professor of Philosophy and Social and Decision Sciences, whose appointment as head of the Department of Philosophy begins on Sept. 1.
Welcoming Executive Assistant to the Dean, Jessica Maguire
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
It is my pleasure to welcome Jessica Maguire, our new Executive Assistant to the Dean, to Dietrich College. As the senior operational leader for the Dietrich College Dean鈥檚 Office, Jess will oversee day-to-day operations and serve as a central point of coordination.