Welcome to our first issue of HarrisView, A new publication designed to keep the Harris School Community abreast of all that is happening at the school. And a lot is happening. Although I have been dean for less than a year, I have been at the Harris School for 13 years and have a first-hand appreciation for how far the school has come over the last decade and how much potential it has for the future. The School is fortunate to have gifted students with a genuine interest in making a positive difference in the world, and to have alumni who are scattered around the globe doing just that. HarrisView gives the School a forum to profile some of these individuals and share their success stories with the larger Harris School Community.

The faculty at the School have always dedicated themselves to meeting the highest standards of teaching and research. HarrisView features important faculty research on topical public policy issues and also reports on awards that faculty have garnered for their research. In addition, it allows us to share the stories of Visiting Faculty, who add another layer of interest and expertise to the academic year.

We hope that HarrisView will keep you in touch with changes at the School – both in terms of new programs and research initiatives as well as internal changes at the faculty and staff levels. This year, an important change occurred when Nancy O’Connor retired after 15 years as Dean of Students. Although Nancy will be sorely missed, the School is in good hands with Ellen Cohen, who takes over as Dean of Students after five years as Director of Admission. This issue includes a personal farewell from Nancy with some reflections on the changes she has witnessed at the School.

The School is growing – in size, in presence, and in the programs we offer. We are well known in Chicago and around the country, and we are expanding our presence internationally. Our small program has quickly become world class, known for being academically rigorous, relevant, and innovative – people refer to the “Chicago Model” as one they aspire to. This could not have happened without your continued involvement in the School – as faculty, students, alumni, mentors, and friends. We thank you and welcome your feedback and contributions to this new publication.

Susan Mayer
Dean