| Alison Scheer-Cohen, Ph.D. |
Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award, 2025-2026
Welcome to our CSUSM community. I am honored to receive the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award, a recognition that reflects the communities of support, collaboration, and care that make meaningful learning possible.
Throughout my career, I have learned that the most meaningful learning is shaped not only by the content we study, but by the communities we build. At every institution I have been a part of, the people around me – mentors, colleagues, classmates, and friends – helped me develop resilience, encouraged me when the path felt uncertain, and reminded me that persistence grows strongest when we are supported by others.
At CSUSM, those communities take many forms. They emerge in classrooms and clinical settings, but also in late‑night study groups, student organizations that create a sense of belonging, athletic events that unite the campus and surrounding community, and the volunteer and service opportunities that connect you with the broader society. These spaces matter. They broaden your perspective, sustain you during demanding times, and offer a sense of belonging that enriches your education far beyond academics.
I encourage you to step into these communities, even when doing so feels new or uncomfortable. Join the organization that sparks your interest, attend a campus event, cheer on your peers, collaborate across disciplines, or simply introduce yourself to someone who shares your goals. Community grows from small acts, and those small acts can transform your experience here.
There will be moments when challenges arise – moments when the work feels heavy or the path forward feels uncertain. In those times, remember that resilience develops through continued effort, and persistence is strengthened when you allow others to support you. Lean into collaboration, value the different perspectives you encounter, and trust that every step you take, successful or imperfect, contributes to your growth.
As you continue your time at CSUSM, I hope you discover circles of support that help you feel confident, inspired, and connected. You are part of a university committed to advancing social mobility, empowering first‑generation students, and preparing socially just leaders and change makers who will transform lives, families, and communities. May the communities you build here, both inside and outside the classroom, strengthen your intellectual engagement, spark innovation, and help you envision your role in a diverse and rapidly evolving world.
Wishing you curiosity, courage, and every success on your academic journey.
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