A decade into the 21st century, UB continues to redefine itself to meet shifting demands in higher education and workforce preparation and to forward its commitment to providing innovative, relevant education to current and future generations of students.

In a giant step toward changing the face of education at UB, Joseph S. Wood, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced in early October a proposal to create a new College of Public Affairs, to be founded in July, and to refocus the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts as the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.

The realignment will allow UB to strengthen and enhance general education within the College of Arts and Sciences as the University grows and expands in its role as a four-year institution. A search is under way for a dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, which also will be responsible for academic elements of UB’s Freshman Experience, previously housed in the Office of the Provost.

The College of Public Affairs, to be led by current College of Liberal Arts Dean Larry W. Thomas, will emphasize UB’s distinction in the fields of public administration and criminal justice and will incorporate a variety of existing graduate, undergraduate and doctoral programs in government, public administration, health systems management, human services administration, criminal justice, forensic studies and negotiations and conflict management. UB’s new B.A. in International Studies and Certificate in Strategic Management and Public Accountability Systems programs will round out the College of Public Affairs’ offerings.