Learning That Changes Lives

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Fueling Futures

Hi all, 

The university recently announced its “Year of Life-Changing Education,” an interdisciplinary effort designed to underscore our ability to positively impact society and improve lives through education. What does it mean to offer a life-changing education? The Gen X cynic in me asks, “Isn’t all education supposed to be life-changing?” But I’m always up for reflecting on the degree and scope to which we can positively impact the lives around us. 

Whose lives are we changing? 

At UMSI, we are doing a fantastic job supporting our students. Our reach, however, extends well beyond the classroom. We create impact through our Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Community College Summer Institute, co-curricular programs, and study abroad opportunities, among others. This year, we have launched a new Alternative Learning Initiatives Committee, headed by professor of information Mark Newman, to explore new audiences we can serve outside of degree programs and identify creative ways to engage them.

How are we changing lives? 

For better or worse, we all chose a field defined by constant change. That requires us to keep our eyes on the future and consider the skills and competencies, some evergreen and some evolving, that we want to instill in our students. It is not just a matter of job placement. It is also about preparing students to be thoughtful community members in the years ahead. We are equipping graduates with the information competencies they will need to lead their cities, towns, organizations, and networks with integrity at the forefront. But, yes, it’s also about jobs. 

Earlier today, Dean Forte outlined our shared vision during the State of the School address, grounded in UMSI’s strategic plan and our commitment to student success, public engagement, and inclusive impact. These priorities are not abstract. They are reflected in the choices we make, in how we teach, how we design our programs, and how we show up for our students.

I hope you enjoy reading more about just a few outstanding examples from your colleagues. I know there are many more. If you would like to be featured in the months ahead, please let me know!

Thank you for all you do, and for the care you bring to it.

Best,

Cliff Lampe, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs