This is an historic semester at Sac State. As you’ll read on page 14 of this issue, we launched our first-ever independent doctorate, allowing students to earn a doctoral degree in educational leadership. This is an important step for Sac State and an important one for California. Along with six other California State University campuses, we will be helping to provide the education leaders that are so desperately needed in the state. Our graduates will shape how our K-12 and community college institutions respond to the needs of tomorrow’s students.
What makes the program at Sac State so special is that the faculty designing the curriculum took advantage of one of the hallmarks of this University: the ability to shape public policy. Sac State’s location in the state capital gives us extraordinary opportunities to affect policy statewide—and not just in education.
Our professors are working on issues ranging from urban sprawl to employment trends. Their opinions are sought by legislators, educators, planners, and countless state and local agencies.
This is a shining example of how a university can contribute to the community. Our students are the beneficiaries as well, learning from professors who are actively engaged with issues facing California. Our students are provided the opportunity to become a part of the solution as they assist in the research process and gain from the currency brought to the classroom by the discussion of real-world problems and strategies for resolution.
Community engagement is one of the tenets of Sac State’s Destination 2010 initiative to become a premier metropolitan university. By actively addressing the challenges facing California, Sac State continues to serve as a valuable asset to the region and the state.
Sincerely,