Posted on September 1, 2026 by Dean Mario Torres
Dean Torres shares a message to welcome students, faculty and staff as the new academic year begins.
Dean Mario Torres' Welcome Back Message for Fall 2026
Hello Roadrunners,
The start of the semester is always one of the most exciting times of the year for me, and I’m thrilled to see our campus come alive again. Despite the unexpected disruptions to services to kick off the year, which for many of you resulted in delays and frustration, you handled it in true Roadrunner fashion: with professionalism, grace, and patience. As is the case with life and almost any complex operation like a university, not everything will always go as planned. Problems happen naturally. When assessing risk and opportunity, a simple and straightforward response may not always be readily available. In the end, however, we were able to resume operations within a few days, in large part to numerous individuals who worked around the clock to restore operations. I know the delayed start to classes was difficult, but your flexibility and understanding allowed the university to take precautions necessary to safeguard our technology systems.
You are a vital member of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) community, whether you’re returning to continue your academic journey or joining us for the first time. Through your learning, teaching, research, or essential support, you help shape the strength, character, and future of our college.
Over the summer, our college relocated to the Durango Building within the university’s Buena Vista District. While we are still settling into our new spaces and navigating building upgrades, I encourage you to visit our departments and service centers and stop by the Student Success Center. Our Explore Downtown webpage offers a directory of college areas along with helpful information on dining, parking, transportation, and more.
We recognize that transitions can be difficult at times. Students have access to the COEHD Student Success Center, health and well-being resources, and hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge to real-world experience. I encourage you to explore these resources and to engage actively both inside and outside the classroom.
Faculty and staff also have access to professional learning opportunities, programs, and mental health and wellness resources designed to support a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which I invite you to take full advantage of everything that is available to you.
As we begin this new semester together, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities ahead, connect with one another, and take pride in the contributions you make to our mission.
Aim high, always! I look forward to seeing what this year holds for you - and all that we will accomplish together.
— Dean Mario Torres
