Provost Steven Lerman, Dean Barratt, President Steven Knapp, with Wayne Clough, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and other Smithsonian representatives at the signing.

Last Friday, I witnessed an event that I’ve been working toward since becoming Dean three years ago: GW President Steven Knapp and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution G. Wayne Clough signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding to “fulfill their mutual goals to increase contributions to science and knowledge, share their knowledge with the public at large, and develop and educate future generations.” It was a momentous occasion, cementing a partnership that began more than a century ago to encourage learning and discovery across the disciplines.

Over the years, our collaboration with this prestigious institution has provided a wealth of access and opportunity. From internships for our Museum Studies and Art History students to our collaboration with Smithsonian curators on special exhibits involving the evolution of the primate brain and the biological lineage of dinosaurs, we are so very proud of the partnerships we have established.

This marks a new chapter in our long association with the Smithsonian. I look forward to our continued collaboration and expansion upon the solid foundation that has been built.