From the President
Still weaving liberal arts into the Manchester College fabric

Jo Young Switzer President Related link: MC Mission, Values, Vision and Strategic Priorities

A STRONG THREAD RUNS THROUGH THE STORY of Manchester College, and that thread is the liberal arts. In 122 years, we have graduated majors from business to English to biology, and woven the
liberal arts into each of those graduates' learning. The Manchester experience, in the words of scholar Stanley Deetz '70, "opened up my whole world."

In every major and every class, students learn to think critically, read texts carefully, and communicate to diverse audiences effectively. No one is surprised to learn that the chair of our Modern Languages Department majored in mathematics as an undergraduate. No one is surprised to see a physics professor playing Celtic flute or an economics professor serving his fabulous jambalaya.

This issue of Manchester magazine celebrates the centrality of the liberal arts in the education of our students, like those who worked with faculty mentors on their research for the 2011 Student Research Symposium – with topics ranging from Ebonics to perfectionism to Kate Chopin's writing to smallmouth bass.

Our students explore new cultures and ideas in classes, and engage in transformative learning outside the classroom, too. Philosophy and science majors spent this past January session in England and Paris studying the Making of the Modern Mind and Development of Scientific Thought. Students became trainers for faculty and staff who sought to improve their exercise and eating habits.

Students also learn in internships and residence halls. They learn as they tutor local school children in reading. They learn as they study Scripture together.

The Manchester story includes a powerful, integrative exposure to the liberal arts. The experience adds depth and context to the more-applied
knowledge students need to thrive professionally. Through this academic engagement, our students develop the ability and conviction they need to explore the world now and for the rest of their lives.

JO YOUNG SWITZER
President
president@manchester.edu