We prioritize experiential learning, enabling students to engage in hands-on activities, field studies, research, service learning, and internships. These experiences foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and real-world application. Our school integrates the sciences, humanities, and arts to create a vibrant and holistic learning environment.
Our faculty, known for their dedication and expertise, work closely with students in small class settings—providing personalized attention and guidance throughout the student academic journey.
Our school fosters interdisciplinary approaches across arts, humanities, social sciences, and the natural, physical, and health sciences. From Biology and Chemistry to Geosciences and Psychology, our programs equip students with technical proficiency, critical thinking abilities, and practical knowledge for various industries and healthcare careers. Our departments, like Anthropology, English, History, Philosophy, and Sociology, empower students with creative problem-solving, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of cultural and environmental complexities.
Our students benefit from engaging in fieldwork, internships, and community collaborations. They graduate with a well-rounded education and the confidence to thrive in their chosen fields. They secure positions in industries, research laboratories, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and healthcare, actively contributing to their communities.
Embark on a transformative educational journey in the Arts & Sciences Department at Fort Lewis College.
Explore more than 40 majors, minors, and certificates in the School of Arts & Sciences. Students gain hands-on experience through undergraduate research, fieldwork, and creative inquiry across the Southwest and beyond.
Learn about the School of Arts & Sciences
About Dean Fenster
As Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (SOAS), Steve leads Fort Lewis College’s largest and most diverse school, advancing its liberal arts mission across disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, arts, and sciences. He promotes academic excellence, supports faculty development, and ensures programs are innovative, inclusive, and responsive to student needs.
Believing in the transformative power of education, Steve empowers students to think critically, engage deeply, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. He collaborates with department chairs, faculty, staff, and campus leaders to foster student success, while overseeing budgets, personnel, and academic policies in alignment with the college’s strategic goals.
A professor in the Biology Department since 2013, Steve’s research spans cellular and molecular biology, with publications in virology, neurobiology, oncology, immunology, environmental microbiology, and wildlife disease.
Second-year student Mara Millette and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Izzy Lamb presented their findings this fall at the 2025 American Chemical Society Conference in Washington, D.C.
‘Spaces, Locations and Imagined Places’ features pieces by creators in their prime.
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ alumna takes family business to Shark Tank, showcasing skills first sharpened on campus.