“New year, new me” is a catchphrase even university administrators are taking to heart with the start of 2016, except there’s no diet or exercise involved.
Christopher D’Elia: Dean of the College of the Coast and Environment
Resolution: To enhance the academic experience.
“My New Year’s resolution is to continue to improve the student experience for our students in our newly named college, the College of the Coast and Environment.
“It’s very academic, but personal resolutions go by the wayside. I’ve been doing them for years and it’s hopeless. There are the standard ones to control your caloric intake and to exercise more, and they get tiresome after having reviewed them many times, so I thought something more substantive would be in order.”
Richard White: Dean of the E.J. Ourso College of Business
Resolution: To be more positive.
“I’ve thought a lot about it, and I’ve got one I really want to stand to. I want to be more cheerful and optimistic and less of a grouch this coming year.”
“I don’t set a new year’s resolution unless I mean it, and this one I mean. I really enjoy this job, and I want people to see that I enjoy it. It’s important to me.”
Todd Queen: Dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts
Resolution: To read one book each week of the year 2016.
“My New Year’s resolution is inspired by Dean White. I’ve been reading a book each week for the entire 2016 year. So far, I have read ‘The Man in the High Castle,’ ‘Undaunted Courage’ and ‘Water for Elephants.’”
“I’m reading the fun, unexpected ones first. I have strategically added some books that are really short.”
Damon Andrew: Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education
Resolution: To improve his foreign language skills.
“My New Year’s resolution for 2016 is to continue to improve in my foreign languages, particularly French, Spanish and Korean. With my job as a dean, I interact with a lot of international dignitaries and other universities to set up partnerships for study abroad and other opportunities for our students.”
“I’m probably not as big on new year’s resolutions as other people. I’ll set goals for myself throughout the year. This is just something that happened to coincide around January for me.”
Jerry Ceppos: Dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication
Resolution: To make 2016 the “Year of Research” and push the digital revolution.
“I actually have two. One is to push even harder to make sure that students and everybody else know that the world has gone digital, and I know that sounds elementary, but it’s interesting. The other one is that we’re going to try to make this the year of research.”
“I think resolutions, if you’re mildly serious about them, do help you set priorities. Research ought to be a priority. Personally, it reminds me if there’s a spare weekend, get off your duff and try to learn more about the South.”

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Kaci Cazenave

E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean Richard White plans to devote his new year's resolution to being more cheerful.