CHSBS Dean candidate Robert Matz explains the importance of liberal arts education
Robert Matz was tasked with explaining the value of a liberal arts education during a forum April 23 in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.
"Liberal Arts students adapt, flourish and solve important challenges in both their work lives and in their lives as citizens," Matz said.
Matz came to campus to interview for the position of dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Three candidates are interviewing for the position, which opened up after former dean Pamela Gates agreed to a near $300,000 separation agreement with the university.
Matz addressed the notion that liberal arts degrees aren't as valuable as other degrees.
"The relationship between major and career is much more complex than one might think," Matz said.
Matz displayed a heat map of where different majors get jobs using U.S. census data. The graphic showed people with liberal arts degrees can get jobs in all sectors, and often end up in leadership positions.
One faculty member asked for Matz's opinion on the notion that degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the only ones that matter.
"We don't want to think of ourselves as STEM or non-STEM, but cooperate in interesting ways with fields across the university," Matz said.
Journalism faculty member Edgar Simpson asked Matz about his relationship with faculty. Matz said he considers himself faculty and doesn't want a divide between faculty and deans.
"You can't do it on your own," Matz said. "Faculty is where the creativity is."
Matz is currently the interim dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
"The liberal arts are at the very heart of our humanity," Matz said. "We have a drive to express ourselves, to create, to explore and these are what the liberal arts encourage."
The other two finalists, Franklin Goza and Richard Rothaus will hold forums from 3-3:50 p.m., April 24 and April 26, respectively. The forums will take place in the UC Auditorium and will also be recorded and posted on the Office of the Provost website.
The CHSBS dean will be chosen by a 15-person committee led by College of Education and Human Services Dean Dale-Elizabeth Perhsson.
Marcy Taylor serves as interim dean for the college.
