Reflections: What Makes Emory College Remarkable
This past month has been filled with conversations, celebrations, and opportunities to learn more about what makes Emory College such a remarkable place!
Planning for the future
The last ECAS strategic plan was written in 2017, and considering how much has happened since then, it is time to write a new one. To do this thoughtfully takes time, so although a new plan will not be written this year, we can begin to lay the groundwork. This includes understanding our current strengths and challenges, defining our aspirations for the future, and making thoughtful choices about where we want to focus our efforts and resources.
An important first step is listening. I’ve been meeting individually with department chairs and directors of programs and centers, and I’m working with the College Faculty Senate’s Strategic Planning Committee, which will be conducting its own conversation to gather perspectives from faculty at all ranks. Student leaders of the College Council will also be engaging their peers in this process.
These conversations have deepened my appreciation for Emory College’s extraordinary strengths and our shared commitment to a liberal arts education that prepares students to think critically, tackle complex challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of AI
One topic that has surfaced repeatedly in my conversations with faculty and students is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on research and education. As AI continues to transform the academic landscape, we have an opportunity to help students understand these powerful tools, evaluate their capabilities and limitations, and develop judgment to decide when, how, and whether to use them appropriately and responsibly. How we approach these questions will naturally vary across disciplines.
This may require us to reconsider some of our traditional approaches to teaching and conducting research. While these changes can be unsettling, we should remember how we adapted to the incredible challenges of the COVID pandemic. My own approach to teaching evolved considerably during that time, and many of those changes carried over to my in-person classes. Perhaps I’m overly optimistic, but I believe that challenges often open doors to new possibilities. AI may well present similar opportunities for innovation, in research, teaching, and learning. I look forward to working together to navigate these challenges and explore the possibilities ahead.
Celebrating Faculty Achievements
One of the highlights of the past few weeks was hosting the Emory College reception recognizing our new faculty, newly promoted faculty, and newly appointed department chairs. The breadth and quality of scholarship represented by our new colleagues is remarkable. These appointments and promotions recognize academic achievement, leadership, and years of dedication to research and creative work, teaching, mentoring, service, and contributions to the intellectual life of the College. It was a pleasure to celebrate these colleagues and the many ways they enrich our community!
New Spaces and Initiatives
I also had the distinct pleasure of joining the celebration of our new, state-of-the-art Film & Media Production Facility. The facility creates wonderful new opportunities for students to explore ideas, experiment, collaborate, and bring their creative visions to life. I’m especially grateful to Kevin Karnes, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Divisional Dean of Arts and Sciences, Michele Schreiber, Chair of Film & Media, and the many faculty, staff, students, volunteers and supporters who helped make the Production Facility possible. I’m also deeply grateful for the incredible generosity that brought this facility to life; this investment in Emory is an investment in our students and in what they will create and accomplish.
Another highlight was attending the launch of the Emory Policy Institute on Countering Antisemitism (EPICA), envisioned by Ambassador and University Professor Deborah Lipstadt. As one of the world’s leading scholars of the Holocaust and antisemitism, Professor Lipstadt has devoted her career to confronting difficult issues with intellectual rigor, courage, and remarkable tenacity. EPICA exemplifies something central to the mission of Emory College: bringing rigorous scholarship and thoughtful inquiry to bear on some of society’s most complex challenges.
Connecting with Students
Finally, it was a particular pleasure to meet some of our outstanding undergraduate students at the Bobby Jones Program’s fall reception and the welcome lunch for Emory Woodruff Scholars & Fellows. Opportunities like these are wonderful reminders of why I care so much about Emory College. Learning about their curiosity, ambition, and enthusiasm, and especially their desire to contribute to society, is inspiring.
As I reflect on the past few weeks, what stands out most is the remarkable strength of our community. I’ve learned more about the breadth of scholarship in the College, the creativity and energy of our students, and the dedication of faculty and staff. These are all part of what makes Emory College special! I look forward to working together as we shape the College’s future.