New initiative is designed to cultivate the liberal arts and prepare graduates for an increasingly complex world.
Four Linfield College faculty members have been selected to lead a new initiative emphasizing liberal arts connections across the curriculum.
Inaugural Lacroute Scholars in the Liberal Arts include Patrick Cottrell, professor of political science; Leonard Finkelman, assistant professor of philosophy; Jamie Friedman, assistant professor of English; and Jennifer Williams, assistant professor of religious studies.
The scholars were chosen as part of the Lacroute Initiative for Advancing the Liberal Arts at Linfield College. The initiative integrates the various ways the liberal arts, pre-professional programs and applied learning all come together to forge an ideal learning environment for students.
“It is my hope that Linfield College can be a leader in demonstrating the critical importance of the liberal arts in higher education and preparation for careers in an increasingly complex world,” said Ronni Lacroute, Linfield trustee who is funding the initiative.
Cottrell, Finkelman, Friedman and Williams will each serve three-year terms, effective July 1, 2019. They were chosen based on outstanding teaching demonstrating breadth and depth in liberal arts and a record of cross-disciplinary collaboration, among other attributes.
The scholars are expected to maintain their regular teaching assignments, develop and participate in actions and activities that address Linfield’s distinctive niche, and pursue grants and funding. They will also serve on a steering committee for oversight and coordination of the initiative.
The program also includes funding for Liberal Arts in Residence, in which scholars from elsewhere, including regional and national experts, will reside at Linfield for varying amounts of time to work with students. Funding for additional events and programs involving the Lacroute Scholars is included, as well.
