Published April 01, 2014
University of Louisiana at Monroe Humanities faculty members Drs. Jeffrey Anderson,
Jana Giles, Ruth E. Smith, and Rebecca Stephenson, recently attended the Liberal Arts
in the University conference, organized by the Louisiana State University College
of Arts and Sciences, and the Louisiana Board of Regents.
Dr. Jim Purcell, Commissioner of Higher Education, explained that his purpose in encouraging
the meeting was to focus on the Liberal Arts and its importance in a university education.
Purcell and the Board of Regents conceived the conference as a way to highlight the
contributions of a liberal education to the preparation of students for the workplace
and the critical need to support the liberal arts.
Presenters and participants addressed the value of a liberal arts education and its
importance in the development of a well-educated workforce and citizenry.
In addition to remarks by Purcell and Dr. Gaines Foster, Dean of the College of Arts
and Sciences at Louisiana State University, and alumni with backgrounds in English,
history, communication, languages, and political sciences, told their stories of how
the education received in their liberal arts classes prepared them to pursue interesting
and lucrative careers in web design, public relations, culinary arts, the film industry,
and law enforcement.
Local business leaders emphasized the need for liberally educated graduates who have
the critical thinking skills, writing and communication abilities, language training,
and competency in written communication.
According to Smith, those in attendance were encouraged to work directly with business
and industry to showcase the skills liberal arts students have to offer and find avenues
for placing graduates.
They also urged participants to work with students who are currently pursuing studies
in languages, history, English, communication and the social sciences to help students
focus on how to market themselves in the workplace.
