As a graduate of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, I have been interested in the proposed merger of that college with the College of Education.

While reading my online alumni newsletter, I clicked on the link that listed the members of the committee appointed by ISU President Gregory Geoffroy to review this proposal.

Two things were distressing about the information provided. First, the committee listing is on a College of Education site, indicating that may well be where the administration’s preference lies.

I also noted that, as far as I could tell, there are no committee members from outside Iowa State. This is important because the graduates of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences are in a wide variety of professions, many with very little direct affiliation with education as a profession.

I am an example of this as an advanced practice nurse with a Ph.D. in family studies. I am in a clinical position, and I know there are other graduates with somewhat similar backgrounds. Input from alumni could be very significant in determining direction for a merged program.

It is important that the variety offered by the College of Family and Consumer Sciences remains, and this may not occur if the College of Education is at the forefront.

I urge graduates of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences to contact legislators, members of the Board of Regents and the office of President Geoffroy with their concerns.

Connie Vogel

Alumna