THE DEAN'S MUSINGS
Maryville College is rich in statements--the Mission Statement, the Identity Statement, the Statement of Purpose, statements dealing with diversity, the covenant, and faith and learning. We also have a branding statement, which I like very much.
"Maryville College offers a rigorous and highly personal experience for students who want to transform their lives and make a difference in the world."
I suppose that many small colleges could make similar claims, but I also know the temptations that small, tuition-driven colleges (like MC) face--especially in economic times such as these. Education (as opposed to job-training) is expensive, partly because it is so labor-intensive. In an attempt to make ends meet, colleges are tempted to relax standards inside and outside of the classroom.
However, if Maryville College and its graduates are to truly "make a difference in the world," the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide and that student must be held accountable for their commitment of time and energy to their own learning and growth.
In order to make a positive change in the world, one must first determine what change needs to be made and second how to go about making that change. Neither of those determinations are made easily; a clear understanding of the pertinent facts, the ability to evaluate evidence, the analytical skills to determine options, the creativity to envision new possibilities, the critical skills to foresee consequences are all components of a process in "making a difference." This is not a job for the ill-prepared.
It is not difficult to recognize problems and even to suggest solutions. But history is replete with "solutions" that have been ineffective or worse. We are not as interested in feeling good about ourselves because we support the right causes as we are committed to making the lives of all people and the conditions of the planet better. Thus, we work hard and we hold each other accountable to high standards. It's the only way we can make a difference in the world.
"Maryville College offers a rigorous and highly personal experience for students who want to transform their lives and make a difference in the world."
I suppose that many small colleges could make similar claims, but I also know the temptations that small, tuition-driven colleges (like MC) face--especially in economic times such as these. Education (as opposed to job-training) is expensive, partly because it is so labor-intensive. In an attempt to make ends meet, colleges are tempted to relax standards inside and outside of the classroom.
However, if Maryville College and its graduates are to truly "make a difference in the world," the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide and that student must be held accountable for their commitment of time and energy to their own learning and growth.
In order to make a positive change in the world, one must first determine what change needs to be made and second how to go about making that change. Neither of those determinations are made easily; a clear understanding of the pertinent facts, the ability to evaluate evidence, the analytical skills to determine options, the creativity to envision new possibilities, the critical skills to foresee consequences are all components of a process in "making a difference." This is not a job for the ill-prepared.
It is not difficult to recognize problems and even to suggest solutions. But history is replete with "solutions" that have been ineffective or worse. We are not as interested in feeling good about ourselves because we support the right causes as we are committed to making the lives of all people and the conditions of the planet better. Thus, we work hard and we hold each other accountable to high standards. It's the only way we can make a difference in the world.
Jeff Fager
Vice President and Dean of the College
Vice President and Dean of the College
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