Contemplata – Faculty Perspectives
What makes an ODU education more relevant, important and valuable today than ever before? Jeremy Glazier | Professor of English The last two years have revealed just how critical a liberal arts education is to the healthy functioning of a free and democratic society. Racial injustice, economic disparity, and the spread of disinformation aren’t new problems, but they are urgent ones today. Marketable skills are vital, but at ODU, we help students build those skills on a strong ethical foundation, an ability to distinguish facts from falsehoods, and the desire to be agents of change in our community and our world. Daniel Little, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Chemistry ODU continues to adapt specific courses of study for our rapidly changing world while holding fast to the core, liberal arts education it is known for. Over the past several years, we have developed new programs in “big data” analytics, fast-track graduate degree partnerships with the University of Dayton and Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, and scholarship programs that place students into great internships. Our students graduate with both the specific skills and the flexibility of mind they need to succeed. Arlene Ramkissoon, DBA | Assistant Professor of Business Our students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be a unique type of business leader: leaders who can contemplate truth and focus business decisions that include purpose beyond profit. Students understand the foundations of capitalism—voluntary exchange, entrepreneurship, competition, freedom to trade and the rule of law. They also are equally adept at using elements of conscious capitalism including trust, compassion, collaboration and value creation. Kristall Day, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Education Teachers are tasked with so much more than teaching academic content. For children to be motivated to learn content, we must first make connections with them. This includes building positive relationships, supporting mental health and inspiring children to care about their community. ODU’s teacher preparation program goes beyond basic content. We prepare our teachers to think critically about the complexities of the human experience, which include thinking beyond “the job” and embracing teaching as a spiritual calling. Sonya Goshe, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice It is more important than ever to understand society and human behavior to be an effective communicator, problem solver, and leader in our world. However, we need people with more than mere understanding; we need people with moral courage if we are going to live in a just and peaceful society. At ODU, students pursue knowledge while also deeply considering crucial moral questions: what it means to be human, how to further the common good, how to facilitate justice, and how to study and spread truth. 1216 WINTER 2022
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