Dear COEHD Faculty and Staff, Earlier today, I met with faculty and staff from the Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies and the Department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies to share the news that these two departments will be consolidated into a single, unified department. The reorganization will take effect on September 1, 2026. This transition represents an exciting opportunity for the college. By bridging these departments together, we expand the potential for innovative programming, strengthen research collaborations, enhance graduate advising and mentorship, and support a healthier long-term financial outlook. This alignment ensures a more prosperous future for our academic programs and the college. As with any organizational change, I know many of you may have questions about what this means for your roles, our programs, and our students. At this time, no changes to faculty or staff positions, reporting structures, or job responsibilities are planned. Academic programs will continue as usual, and students will have the same access to their courses, advisors, and degree pathways. To facilitate this transition, the impacted departments will form a task force comprised of faculty, staff, and students representative of both departments. This group will help shape the unified department's mission, identity, and structure. Transparency will remain a priority throughout this process. The committee and I will share regular updates with the COEHD community so everyone can remain informed. All COEHD students will be notified about this reorganization on Tuesday, January 20. We are committed to ensuring that students experience a smooth transition and continue to receive the support they need. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please contact me at COEHD.Dean@utsa.edu<mailto:COEHD.Dean@utsa.edu>. Mario S. Torres Dean, College of Education and Human Development President's Distinguished Professorship [signature_1756875520]