A small group of undergraduates had the chance to recently ask L&S Dean Gary Sandefur a few tough questions.
The students, all seniors in the Integrated Liberal Studies Program, picked the Dean's brain as part of their capstone course "Education, Leadership & Character" with Dr. Cathy Middlecamp (ILS, Chemistry).
For their midterm, the students read a series of essays about liberal arts education.
Their ultimate goal would be to serve as "head hunters" and create a professional presentation to the board of trustees of the College of Civic Engagement (CCE).
CCE is an imaginary college at a large university on the border of two politically-ideological states.
The students considered the candidacy of Alexander Meiklejohn (1872-1964) for a position at the CCE. (For the sake of argument, Meiklejohn has been cloned and brought back to life).
Meiklejohn's name adorns the UW-Madison ILS building and is a well-known outspoken advocate in Free Speech and First Amendment Rights. He was a critic during the McCarthy era and was not without his share of controversy.
The students considered Meiklejohn for following positions at CCE:
- Dean of the College of Letters & Science
- Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning
- Chair of the Integrated Liberal Studies (ILS) Program
- ILS Faculty Member
- Ask Meiklejohn to consider pursuits elsewhere
The students asked Sandefur about the challenges he faces as dean.
Sandefur said the biggest challenge in L&S -- other than being responsible for the college's purse-strings -- is to manage its three top missions: provide an exemplary education to undergraduates, meet commitments to faculty and staff research, and continue to serve to the State of Wisconsin.
"Everyone will say financial challenges are our biggest challenges," he said. "But at a public research university like Wisconsin, a real challenge for me is to balance our different missions."
Sandefur also has to decide what new ideas are worth investing in. He pointed to the rise and popularity of online education, particularly in fields like Engineering and Mathematics. Some think online education is worth pursuing, others not.
"A dean’s job is to sort out which ideas are worth investing in," he said.
The students wanted to know Sandefur's view about the value of the liberals arts. At a time when students feel pressured to major in fields that may help them attain jobs in the professional world, studying History or Botany may seem like a move in the opposite direction.
Sandefur said the most important thing that students can learn after leaving the university is to keep learning.
"Whatever field of work you go into, things are constantly changing," he said. "We just have to keep learning, that's the important thing ... Use your education to make the world a better place."
Liberal arts students, he said, are prepared for that challenge. They know how to learn, how to understand facts, build an opinion, fight for it, and act on it.
Sandefur reflected on his time teaching Sociology 134, a large lecture of more than 400 students. His advice to students was always, and continues to be:
- Continue to learn, especially about critical issues facing our society.
- Have an opinion about what you know.
- Act on your opinion through participation with society.
Before leaving, Sandefur asked the students what or who was their most valuable part of their Wisconsin Experience?
Many students said finding their niche was what made their college career something spectacular and special. A few examples from the students were: the ILS Program, the Writing Fellows Program, the BioCore Program as well as some well-known professors on campus.
The head hunters agreed that Meiklejohn would not be a great Dean of Letters & Science. None approved him for the position.
The search results were:
- None of the students thought Meiklejohn should be Dean of Letters & Science.
- Three students slotted him for Chair of ILS.
- Three said he'd be best as an ILS faculty member.
- Three thought he'd be best as the VP for Teaching & Learning.
- Two students think it was a failed search.