Zahriah Balentine
MC301/Staff Writer
In an effort to honor the foundation of excellence, the College of Liberal Arts held its 2nd Annual celebration of the past, present, and future of liberal arts, also known as College Day.
The event took place in the Student Center Ballroom B on April 15.
Students, faculty, and staff were all invited to participate in the event by College of Liberal Arts Dean Mario Azevedo. Dr. Marlene Macleish, professor of medical education at the Morehouse School of Medicine delivered the keynote address.
The event started with firing of the cannon and the Sonic Boom of the South marching band processional down the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway.
Dr. Macleish, who is an international spokeswoman for science and space education gave a positive outlook on the future of liberal arts education.
“I firmly believe that this re-imagined world that is upon us will be changed and moderated by the liberal arts. It doesn’t matter how much technology advise us. It is the liberal arts that will define the global society,” Macleish stated.
Dean Azevedo explained the importance of liberal arts to education and how it can be used in getting employed in multiple fields.
“We have been thinking about how we can make the Liberal Arts Department more aware, because these days you have parents saying liberal arts is no good, or it doesn’t give you any job. You need to go to science, technology, and engineering. That history, English, liberal science, psychology, and other subjects like art and music isn’t preparing you for life. So we’re telling students that before you get a job you need to have certain skills in liberal arts or your not going to succeed. You need skills of critically thinking critically, speaking, clearly and effectively, doing research, understanding what you read, and so forth these are the skills every employee will need to hire you, so when you go out there the first thing they see is how you speak, how do you listen and how do you communicate,” said Azevedo.
Azevedo stated that College Day is not just for students who are a part of the Liberal Arts Department, but also for everyone.
“It (College Day) was primarily for liberal arts students to tell other students who we are and what they need to know besides what they hear about us. We are useful because we are preparing you to be anything you want,” said Azevedo.
The event was filled with panel discussions, lectures, and music throughout the entire event. Jackson State University student, Hailey Singleton, a sophomore political science major from Madison, Wis., explained her experience and crucial facts about her major.
“It was an honor to be surrounded by many distinguished and influential members from the education arena at this College Day event. I learned the importance of my major, political science, and it’s universal benefits to advance society. I had the pleasure of conversing with Dr. Marlene MacLeish and to tell her my opinions on her research as well as obtain her business card for future reasons. I’m glad I attended this phenomenal event and would be happy to attend College Day next year,” said Singleton.
Deandre Stevenson, a senior sociology major from Byhalia, Miss., believes a liberal arts education is vital for all students.
“The Liberal Arts Department did a great job with bringing awareness to the college and how (liberal arts) can be a foundation for every discipline in our university system,” said Stevenson.
An article on collegexpress.com gives five reasons a liberal arts education is important:
1. Liberal arts courses teach a broad range of skills
Although one or more of the liberal arts classes you may take might not seem anywhere near relevant to your future career, the range of skills they provide can still benefit you. The job market is competitive, and people don’t always end up in the field in which they originally intended to work. Having a broad education and varied knowledge can help you perform in any job you end up working after you graduate.
2. Employers are more likely to hire someone with a liberal arts background
You’ve probably learned through the college admission process that being well rounded is a valued quality in any candidate. The same goes for applying for jobs—in fact, four out of five employers believe that all students should have a broad knowledge of the arts and sciences, and 55 percent of employers require both field-specific skills and a broad range of skills in order for graduates to advance and remain employed long-term within a company.
3. Many skills taught in the liberal arts tradition are useful in any career field
Most jobs require a wide range of skills.
4. Liberal arts courses allow for exploration into your interests
Taking a variety of classes, not just those within your specific major, can help you find other topics that you are interested in. This can prompt you to take up new hobbies, learn new things, or even change the direction of your studies altogether.
5. The liberal arts tradition can increase your world-view and add depth to your college experience
Gaining knowledge in a range of topics not only helps you to be well rounded in your skills, but also in your thinking. Liberal arts education provides multiple viewpoints and allows for educational opportunities that cannot be obtained from trade or technical schools.
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