September 2025

Dear NYU SPS Community,

Happy first day of classes!

At the heart of SPS is the idea that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through hands-on experiences, industry projects, and community engagement, you'll have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, work alongside our faculty of seasoned professionals, and witness the tangible results of your efforts. The work you do here will ripple outward, shaping industries and our global community.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our welcome events. Your energy sets the tone for a dynamic year ahead.

A special thank you to Allison Wang (Tisch Institute '26) and Loris van Vlodrop (DAUS '27) for sharing their stories and insights with our students at Undergraduate Orientation. Your experiences and advice offered invaluable perspective and inspiration as our newest students begin their SPS journey.

At Graduate Orientation, alumni Melissa Tavss (DPB '16) and Jerrod Delaine (Schack '12) highlighted the value of embracing unexpected opportunities, staying actively involved, and building strong networks. Their stories capture the heart of this year's Welcome Week theme: Dare to Dream. I'm excited to see all the ways new and returning students go beyond limits, explore new possibilities, and turn aspirations into meaningful impact this year.

I'm proud to congratulate this year's Teaching Advancement Grant (TAG) recipients from NYU SPS. These innovative projects showcase the creativity and dedication of our faculty as they explore new ways to enhance teaching, learning, and student success. Their work reflects our commitment to advancing pedagogy through technology, inclusivity, and hands-on application.

• Donatella Delfino and Penka Marinova (DAUS): AI-Assisted Learning in Precalculus: Comparing Tutoring and Learning-by-Teaching Approaches
• Raúl Sánchez and Kristine Rodriguez Kerr (PWM): Inclusive Communications Toolkit: An NYU SPS and United Nations NewWork Collaboration for Organizational Culture Change
• Suhail Y. Tayeb (Schack): Enhancing the Flipped Classroom with AI: Transforming Engagement, Equity, and Outcomes in Real Estate Sustainability Education

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how SPS faculty are integrating AI, fostering inclusivity, and reimagining classroom engagement to prepare our students for the future of work.

I'd also like to acknowledge the upcoming New York City mayoral race and other US-based elections, which are important opportunities to make your voice heard. NYU Votes aims to ensure that all eligible voters in the NYU community are able to cast their vote. Check out their upcoming programming for ways to stay civically engaged.

This semester will be full of discovery, challenge, and growth. Let's approach it with curiosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to excellence. I wish you all a great semester ahead!

Warmly,

Angie Kamath
Harvey J. Stedman Dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies