Welcome to the School of Arts & Sciences

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 brings together the sciences, humanities, and arts to create a vibrant, connected, and holistic learning environment.

Our faculty, known for their dedication and expertise, work closely with students in small class settings—providing personalized mentorship, meaningful feedback, and guidance throughout their academic experience.

Our school fosters interdisciplinary approaches across the 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, and practical skills for careers in research, industry, and healthcare. Departments like Anthropology, English, History, Philosophy, and Sociology empower students to develop creative problem-solving, clear communication, and a deep understanding of cultural and environmental contexts.

Our students gain confidence through fieldwork, internships, and community collaborations. They graduate with a well-rounded education and the skills to thrive in diverse settings—from laboratories and classrooms to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and healthcare. Each student leaves ready to apply their learning and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Embark on a transformative educational experience with the School of Arts & Sciences at Fort Lewis College.

  • Arts & Sciences
Arts & Sciences

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

Dean Steven Fenster
Dean Steven 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.

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