News 2018: College of Arts and Sciences welcomes new advisory board

News 2018: College of Arts and Sciences welcomes new advisory board
College of Arts and Sciences welcomes new advisory board

The board will help form strong partnerships that are necessary to fulfill the college’s goals.

During the fall semester, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) welcomed its new advisory board to campus. The board, which is comprised of prominent industry leaders and alumni, is dedicated to education and to forming strong partnerships that are necessary to fulfill the college’s goals. 
 
“The CAS Advisory Board will help the college with strategic planning, student success initiatives, and student retention,” Amy Shapiro, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “The board functions as our bridge to the professional world, and they help us lay a path for student success.”
 
Lisa St. Laurent '87, who practices clinical psychology at her private practice in New Bedford, MA., was honored to serve on the advisory council because she values the education she received at UMass Dartmouth and the opportunities she had as a student. 
 
“I believe in the power of education to transform lives and positively impact communities,” St. Laurent said. “UMass Dartmouth plays an important and vital role in our local community and I look forward to being a part of planning for the success of future generations.”
 
Like other alumni on the board, Brian Durant ’04 hopes to utilize his years of professional experience by highlighting trends and hiring needs that arise in an evolving workforce.
 
“I can leverage my professional experiences to offer suggestions to the College of Arts and Sciences that help further prepare students for life after school,” Durant, Assistant Vice President of Fund Accounting Services at Brown Brothers Harriman, said. “I can also help upcoming graduates find internship and employment opportunities.”