We will grow, discuss, and build.

A message from Dean Carol Stabile about her plans and optimism for the upcoming year. 

 

 

Dear Clark Honors College Students,

I write to extend a warm — if physically distanced— welcome to all of you just beginning your college journey, as well as those of you continuing it. I became acting dean of Clark Honors College in September, when the former dean, Gabe Paquette, became the vice provost for academic affairs. I have taught courses in the CHC and advised theses since 2013 and just last year became a faculty member here. As an associate dean in the College of Arts and Science, I worked on student success initiatives. As a scholar, I’ve written books on media history, crime reporting, and technology. As a teacher, I’ve taught courses on media history; gender, race, and media; and this winter I’m excited to be teaching a Calderwood Seminar in Public Writing on communicating for social justice. I’m honored to be serving as acting dean and look forward to working with my honors college colleagues to get to know you and support you.

I assume this leadership position in circumstances none of us could have predicted a year ago: a pandemic, global resistance to racism, the terrible wild fires of the past few weeks, and a volatile election season. These are difficult circumstances, but I want you to know that we will face them as a community of students, staff, and faculty dedicated to inclusion and the highest standards of critical thinking, research, scientific thought, scholarly discussion, and debate that respects evidence and facts, social responsibility, and compassion.

Although change and disruption will be inevitable parts of our lives this fall, the CHC remains a place where you will learn, discuss ideas, grow, and build community. Our small classes, dedicated professional advisors, faculty mentors, and staff allow us to build the kind of strong and tightly-knit bonds that can help our community grow and thrive. In commitment to our students, the CHC remains unchanged. Together, we will make sure this year is one of discovery, reflection, pursuing our potential, and serving our communities.

So as we meet in virtual spaces throughout the coming term, keep in mind that community is about people — it’s not a place on a map. It is a process we engage in each time we meet, creating bonds of commonalty in our shared goals of gaining skills and tools to better understand ourselves and the worlds around us, in the service of democracy. Those are lofty goals, but you move closer toward them each time you log into a class and introduce yourself to the other faces on your screen, ask questions in your classes, lend a hand to other students, make your way through a new and difficult problem or passage, and meet with your advisors.

On behalf of the entire Clark Honors College, welcome. We are here to offer guidance and support and look forward to hearing from you about the discoveries you make during this historic time.

Stay safe.

 

Carol Stabile

Acting Dean

Clark Honors College