CERI is poised for rapid growth and increased recognition. New hiring in core and emerging fields will improve existing areas of research and allow us to expand into a new focus area that takes advantage of large, federally funded research initiatives. We are taking a leadership role in a major, collaborative effort to establish a deep borehole observatory in the active New Madrid seismic zone. We are also expanding the Center’s role within the University and making critical changes internally that will insure that CERI takes full advantage of the opportunities for growth currently presented. This is an exciting time for the Center that could lead to increased national stature in the areas of hazards and continental structure, funding opportunities, and interest in our graduate program.