More Than a Motto

"At a time when some universities seem to have lost a sense of their priorities, Dean Valentini has kept Columbia College focused on one objective: defining and implementing the best educational practices for a highly diverse group of students in the 21st century. In his 10 years as dean, he has tirelessly led students and faculty in making the College experience as rich, innovative and, above all, self-reflective as it can be. His ‘Beginner’s Mind’ was more than a motto; it was a constant encouragement to all the members of the community — students, faculty and administrators — to take intellectual risks. His deanship will be a model for decades to come."

Emmanuelle Saada
Professor of French
The Carnoy Family Program Chair of Contemporary Civilization, 2018–21