Prof. dr. Gerda Andringa

I am Dean and Full Professor of Community Engaged Learning in Health and Care at UCR. As Dean, I provide academic leadership and work to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where students thrive. Transdisciplinary learning and community engagement are central to my vision for the college.

After earning my Ph.D. in 2000, I held research and academic positions in the Netherlands and the US. My current work focuses on interventions and technologies for the elderly, particularly those with dementia. UCR students are closely involved in this research, contributing through hands-on projects and collaboration with local partners.

At UCR, we prepare students for complex societal challenges, many of which we cannot yet foresee. This calls for more than disciplinary expertise; it requires the ability to think critically, act responsibly, and co-create knowledge across boundaries. That is the beauty and strength of Liberal Arts and Sciences education: it combines academic rigor with intellectual flexibility, and fosters creativity and curiosity. Transdisciplinary learning is not a luxury, it is vital preparation for the world our students are entering.

What makes our college special to me is the daily exchange of ideas, with and among students, that drives continuous learning and growth.