Letter from the New CGS Board Chair
As I step into the role of Board Chair, I am honored to serve alongside such a dynamic and dedicated community of educators, administrators, and leaders. I have long admired this organization’s transformative work in advancing graduate education, and I look forward to building on this rich legacy during my term.
Chevelle Newsome
My journey in higher education has been shaped by a passion for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with faculty, staff, and students across a variety of institutions to address some of the most pressing challenges in graduate education. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, the necessity of adaptability, and the centrality of equity in shaping the future of graduate education.
As we look ahead, graduate education faces a pivotal moment. Shifts in student demographics, technological advancements, and societal demands are reshaping the landscape. In response, we must reimagine our strategies to ensure graduate education remains relevant, accessible, and impactful. Our focus, as I see it, embodies three key priorities.
Strengthening Opportunities for All Students
Graduate education must serve as a gateway to opportunity for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. I am committed to championing initiatives that address systemic barriers and foster diversity across our programs. At Sacramento State, I developed the Graduate Preparation Academy and expanded the program into a retention campaign to increase undergraduate success and grow students’ pathways into graduate and professional education, including teaching, social work, and the sciences. One of the cornerstones to graduate student success is the ability to develop resources to support research and programs. To strengthen students’ opportunities for success in their graduate studies and beyond, I worked with campus partners to build a series of 4-week grant writing workshops for graduate and undergraduate students. These and similar activities amplify support for all students, expanding pathways to advanced degrees and promoting inclusive curricula and mentorship practices.
Elevating the Role of Graduate Education and Being Responsive to National, State, and Local Needs
Today’s rapidly evolving economy demands a workforce that is highly skilled and capable of addressing complex, interdisciplinary challenges. Graduate education leaders recognize the importance of aligning learning outcomes more closely with economic and societal needs while preserving the intellectual rigor that defines our work. I aim to lead conversations and partnerships that prepare our students for both traditional academic careers and emerging opportunities beyond the academy. Having served for a decade as a leader in a university system with one of the most diverse student bodies, I recognize the importance of seeking out individuals with promise, working in partnerships, and providing students with an education that prepares them to continuously contribute to the advancement of their disciplines and professions. When I was appointed dean, I identified the need to support faculty in developing institutional learning outcomes at the graduate level. The faculty worked to finalize curriculum maps linked to the institutional goals and established assessment plans that incorporated the evidence for both program and institutional assessment. These efforts led to greater student success in graduate programs. Assessment aligns institutional plans to the mission and vision of the academic institution and promotes collaboration between faculty, students, researchers, staff, and boards, and the findings are used to improve teaching, research, and learning. Further benefits are gained by disseminating assessment findings to support the institutional mission, philanthropy, and collaborative partnerships.
Embracing Innovation in Graduate Program Delivery
Recent shifts in graduate enrollment trends underscore the importance of flexibility in delivering graduate education. We must continue to explore innovative approaches, such as hybrid and online programs, stackable credentials, and interdisciplinary degree pathways. By embracing new models, we can meet students where they are and better serve the needs of diverse learners.
While these priorities will guide my perspective, I remain deeply committed to engaging with our members. Our member deans’ insights, expertise, and experiences will be invaluable in shaping our collective efforts. I encourage open dialogue and invite ideas to help us best navigate this exciting and challenging time.
Together, we have an opportunity to redefine graduate education for the future. I look forward to working collaboratively with the CGS President and staff, the board, and member deans to ensure CGS remains a beacon of excellence.
Chevelle Newsome
Dean of Graduate Studies
California State University, Sacramento
