Office of the Dean

 Portrait of Interim Dean, Dr. Matt Bahr

Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences at Gonzaga University!

It is my privilege to serve as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Gonzaga University. The College offers a broad range of learning opportunities that will engage and challenge students to develop the skills of critical thinking and reasoning, communication, and analysis. We understand that truly effective 21st century teaching and learning needs to take place both in- and outside of the classroom. While our classes help students build foundational skills and habits that are central to a Jesuit education, we distinguish ourselves by involving students in research projects, internships and service learning to help them apply those skills for the benefit of others. Arts and Sciences professors are the heart and soul of this work demonstrating, on a daily basis, a passion for teaching and mentoring. They are also successful grant writers, productive scholars, and well respected artists. In addition, College staff are caring, knowledgeable professionals who will always work to prioritize student success.

We take our mission of educating the whole person very seriously. Our goal is to prepare our students to lead meaningful, productive lives, and to become lifelong learners who will act with compassion and with a strong sense of social justice. In an increasingly connected, rapidly changing global context, my hope is that every student comes to realize that a liberal arts education from Gonzaga is just the beginning—an inaugural path into 21st century citizenry—and that this is an opportunity to develop the skills and habits that will prepare them to become difference makers in their communities.

The lives of so many of our graduates demonstrate the power of degree from the College. You can find Arts and Sciences alumni in all types of occupations; and so many are making significant contributions to their communities. They are working and living in the greater Spokane area, all over the US, and the world. Some pursue graduate and professional studies, while others make careers in research. Many work in businesses, large and small, and others begin their path by entering into service organizations such as the Peace Corps.

I invite you to visit our web pages. Browse through our course offerings. Stop by our offices. Visit our exhibits of Art in the Northwest at the Jundt Art Museum. Attend a play at Magnuson Theatre or a variety of performances in the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. Have your book signed by a published author at our Visiting Author Series. Be inspired by scientists who explain the role of their work to the public. Listen to our student and faculty music recitals.

Please take the time to find out about these and other programs.

Matt Bahr, Ph.D., Interim Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

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Humanities Building 115
Spokane, WA 99258