Spring and summer seem to have flown by! As always, I continue to be amazed by the energy, creativity, and commitment of our DivCHED members. Since March, there has been a tremendous amount of activity across the Division. Over the summer, the chair succession has had the privilege of meeting with the committee and board chairs. I am so humbled and amazed at all the committees and boards have been accomplishing and what their plans are for the coming year. Unfortunately, there is not space to share all that is happening, but please read their reports in this newsletter.  I would like to share a few highlights and offer my sincere thanks to everyone who contributes their time and expertise. 

Strengthening Our Committees and Boards and Communications

One of our major efforts this year has been continuing the work associated with our new website. Committees and Boards have been updating their webpages and finalizing operations manuals that capture committee missions, responsibilities, and leadership succession plans. These resources will help preserve institutional knowledge and make it easier for members to learn about committee activities and find opportunities to become involved. I encourage you to spend some time exploring the website and discovering the many ways our members can get involved within the Division. 

We have also been making excellent progress on our Communication Infrastructure Grant. Led by Heather Ryan, our Executive Administrative Assistant, this project is helping us enhance how we connect with members through our website, newsletters, email communications, and social media platforms. Heather has been completing professional development in digital communication while working closely with the PR and Membership Committees to build a more consistent, accessible, and engaging communication strategy. We are excited about the improvements already underway and look forward to sharing even more with you in the coming months. 

Working Together Across ACS

One of the developments that excites me most is the growing number of collaborations between DivCHED and other ACS divisions. These partnerships allow us to combine expertise, share resources, and create initiatives that have a broader impact than any one division could accomplish alone. 

Last year, an Innovative Project Grant (IPG) developed jointly with the Divisions of Professional Relations (PROF) and Chemistry and the Law (CHAL) was funded and has continued to move forward this year. Led by Susan Schelble (PROF Chair and a DivCHED member), the project builds on a successful Pacifichem symposium on ethics and is currently producing an ACS Symposium Series volume and a prototype ethics exam. These resources will help institutions meet ACS Committee on Professional Training expectations for ethics instruction. 

This summer, DivCHED also joined the Divisions of Analytical Chemistry (ANYL) and PROF in submitting an IPG proposal titled Chemistry of Art and the Humanities. Led by Christine Skaggs (ANYL), the project would connect chemistry, art, cultural heritage, and public engagement through a mini-symposium, an adult workshop, and a family outreach event. I am particularly excited about this proposal because it highlights the power of interdisciplinary partnerships and demonstrates how chemistry can connect with people and communities in unexpected and inspiring ways. 

Strategic Planning: Phase 2 Progress

With the first phase of our strategic plan completed last December, the Strategic Planning Oversight Committee (SPOC) has been hard at work reviewing task force reports and organizing the next phase of implementation. New task forces have been formed around emerging priorities, and these groups will provide excellent opportunities for members who would like to become more involved in shaping the future of the Division. Please watch for announcements from SPOC in this newsletter and at the Fall ACS Meeting. 

Building Connections Across Committees and Boards

Our committees and boards do incredible work supporting members, programming, publications, examinations, finances, and strategic initiatives. Over the spring and summer, chairs met to share ideas, discuss priorities, and identify opportunities for collaboration. These conversations were productive, energizing, and full of new possibilities. As our goals become increasingly interconnected, strengthening relationships across the Division will help us better serve our members and advance our mission. 

BCCE 2026

Wow, what can I say about BCCE 2026? The conference in Madison was simply wonderful. It was a joy to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new colleagues, and celebrate the incredible work being done in chemical education. My sincere thanks go to the BCC Committee Co-Chairs, Justin Carmel and Carly Schnoebelen, Conference Chair Sam Pazicni, and the many volunteers whose hard work made the conference such a success. Events like BCCE remind me why DivCHED is such a special community. I am already looking forward to seeing everyone in San Diego for BCCE 2028! 

Monthly DivCHED Office Hours

I continue to host a monthly community “Office Hour” on the third Thursday of each month. We have been having great questions about the Division, lively conversation, and rich discussions about pedagogy and teaching. It has been great fun to connect.

⏰ Time: Noon–1 pm PT | 1–2 pm MT | 2–3 pm CT | 3–4 pm ET
📍 Zoom Link: https://utah.zoom.us/j/8055139296

Upcoming Dates:

• Aug 20 (next Thursday)
• Sept 17
• Oct 22
• Nov 19
• Dec 17 (last one of the year!)

These are informal, open discussions, so please feel free to join us, ask questions, share ideas, or just stop by to say hello. I hope to see many of you there.

Thank You

Thank you for everything you do for DivCHED. Whether you serve on a committee, contribute scholarship, mentor students, organize programming, attend events, or simply participate in our community, you are helping advance chemical education and strengthen our Division. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated colleagues.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago next week for the ACS Fall Meeting. I would also like to personally invite you to attend the DivCHED Social Reception at the Fall ACS Meeting. This will be held on Sunday, August 23rd from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at S402a McCormick Place Convention Center. Thank you for your continued commitment to DivCHED. With your energy, expertise, and enthusiasm, we will continue to strengthen the Division and advance chemical education together.