John Stevenson, an associate vice chancellor and professor of English at the University of Colorado, made his case to be the next dean of the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences in front of about 100 faculty members on Monday. He was the second of four prospective candidates to speak on campus.
Stevenson spoke at length regarding the importance of a liberal arts education, referring to it as “the beating heart of any good university.”
“The essence of a liberal arts education centers on meaning and thinking about experiences and the world,” said Stevenson, who graduated summa cum laude from Duke University in 1975 before receiving his doctorate from the University of Virginia in 1983. “Knowledge about the surface is not enough. The fun begins when we ask our students, ‘What does it mean? What is the significance?’”
Stevenson also spoke about the future of liberal arts education. He offered his opinion on what faculty must focus on in an era when competition with China and India has altered how the government thinks about education.
“We need to do a better job on the skills issue, such as basic writing and math. We have to sell critical thinking and strive for something beyond what is easily measurable.”
Faculty members from several departments, including chemistry, economics and computer science, attended the presentation. At the end of his speech, Stevenson offered the audience an opportunity to ask questions.
Bill Harbaugh, associate professor of economics, asked Stevenson if he favored a rigid curriculum, where a strict tract of classes is laid out for students, or a boundless curriculum where students would have more freedom in class selection. Stevenson said he preferred offering students choices within a set of guidelines.
“It’s a tough decision because there has to be some trade-off between students and professors,” Harbaugh said. “I didn’t really expect a clear answer and I didn’t get one.”
Andrzej Proskurowski, a professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science, said Stevenson was much more vague than Scott Coltrane, who presented his case to the faculty on Jan. 9.
“Either (Stevenson) didn’t want to fully express his positions or he just had fewer positions,” Proskurowski said. “It was difficult to assess based on this session.”
Stevenson was also asked what made him want to come to the University of Oregon. He cited several personal and professional reasons but reiterated his love for the faculty.
“I want to work with people who have a lot in common and want to accomplish something together,” said Stevenson. “The chance to do that in Boulder (Colorado) may or may not arrive.”
Stevenson emphasized similarities between the University of Colorado and the University of Oregon. He said this familiarity is a great asset over what the other candidates have to offer.
“There is certainly a lack of money but it is also a familiar environment with a great institution.”
Stevenson also touched on the importance of a graduate education. He said his time working at a graduate school has given him a broad view of all the disciplines that universities have to offer.
“I love universities and I love what universities are supposed to do,” said Stevenson, who was the chair of the English department at the University of Colorado until 2004. “A good faculty needs good grad students. The University of Oregon needs more grad students and better support.”
Stevenson also discussed his passion for helping students gain an understanding of the world around them.
“Our task is to teach how to make discoveries because that is something that students can take into the world,” Stevenson said. “What makes people successful is the ability to see beyond the obvious. It can lead to a richer, fuller, happier life. We need to offer that kind of opportunity at institutions like the University of Oregon.”