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Show Fall/Winter 2002 page 13 Liz Leckie collaboration and cooperation with other colleges, cognitive studies and visual communication. The humanities offer a unique element of ethics and social justice that Newman says can only help to improve studies in other disciplines. " [The humanities] are the conscience of the university," Leckie said. Newman and his colleagues share a common vision of reshaping the image of the college. He said that his vision of excellence is already occurring on a number of levels. One priority is to increase the quality programs available to students. "Of course, national rankings are important. Our college has a number of nationally ranked programs. Just as important, I want students to leave here with a high degree of satisfaction with their education," he said. Newman said that when his tenure began, he realized that the College of Humanities wasn't as interactive with the university community as it needed to be to produce the kind of success required to create satisfied students. To achieve this goal, Newman believes that cooperating with other colleges on campus, like business and the health sciences, can add to the quality of students' educations. "I've seen a definite pattern of making connections from Dean Newman. He is creating social, intellectual and interdisciplinary connections among ourselves and among other colleges," Darling said. Newman has also been instrumental in leading his staff toward a vision of what he calls "branding the college." In this vision, he has not hesitated to implement several creative plans for community interaction. "One of Dean Newman's remarkable leadership skills is implementing plans quickly. The academic ship doesn't usually move that quickly," Darling said. "He hasn't left much dust behind." Newman has created an executive committee consisting of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff representatives. Theymeet once a month to discuss University policy. The Humanities House was created last year, with donations from O.C. Tanner. Students from a variety of disciplines apply for residence in the house. They live, study and socialize in an environment that facilitates the motto of the College of Humanities: "Learning That Lasts a Lifetime." Newman sees alumni as an important resource for the college. He has established an alumni outreach program designed to reconnect humanities graduates to each other and to the University. Newman believes that the success of the college also requires connecting with the greater Salt Lake community. During fall semester, he and his colleagues hosted a booth at the downtown Farmer's Market held at Pioneer Park. College leaders interacted with market-goers by handing out poetry and information about the College of Humanities. And perhaps Newman's most entrepreneurial idea began Nov. 21. On the third Thursday of every month, the college hosts a monthly Humanities Happy Hour at Squatter's Pub in Salt Lake City. The happy hour is designed to raise money for the college while bringing humanities supporters, like Rocky Anderson, together to discuss timely subjects and give short talks. Newman's leadership style is no-nonsense and deliberate. He has a clear vision of excellence for the College of Humanities that he plans on achieving with creativity, communication, connections and discipline. mi- |
