University of New England

Nexus



Viewing the World Through a Broader Lens
The Liberal Arts at UNE
By Danielle Vayenas

The University of New England has garnered attention for its cutting-edge programs in the College of Health Professions and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as the biological sciences – especially marine biology – in the College of Arts and Sciences. However, the liberal arts, as part of the underpinnings of any great university experience, have been and will always continue to be, a part of the University’s commitment to a well-rounded education. UNE has renewed its commitment to the value of a liberal arts education by embarking on an expansion of its degree offerings and courses in the visual and performing arts, humanities and social sciences, and adding a new focus on international studies to the core curriculum.

Jacque Carter, Ph.D., former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and current interim vice president for academic affairs, said, “Albert Einstein once said that the value of an education in the liberal arts is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.” Carter added, “A thorough knowledge of a wide range of events, philosophies and creative approaches, covering everything from biology to history to human nature, provides an invaluable context for understanding the world. With the building of the Bush Cultural Center and the expansion of our existing liberal arts programs, we hope to expose our students to that greater world of knowledge.”

When Carter stepped into the role of VPAA, Paul Burlin, Ph.D., history, was tapped as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Dr. Burlin is a talented and accomplished professor whose passion and expertise in his field of history is well noted by his students and his peers. He is a steadfast advocate for the liberal arts and understands that the essential mission of the College is to promote student learning through excellent teaching, strong scholarship and research and meaningful service,” Carter said.

Paul Burlin came to UNE in 1990 to teach history, and seven years later, he was the founding chair of the History Department. Among his publications, he has written a book on the little-known relationships between Maine and Hawaii during this country’s 19th century expansion, and his current scholarly interests include research on Brazilian intellectuals’ perspectives about United States’ history, culture and society. With his international experience, Burlin hopes to triple students studying abroad from UNE. 
 
Regarding the importance of liberal arts in a student’s education, Burlin cautions people to not view a college degree as solely a ticket for a job. “Employers look for people who can write, speak, think, and are both culturally and linguistically literate. Academic study in the liberal arts and sciences prepares students to work in today’s world much better than any other form of higher education, and our goal is to give our students an educational experience that is second to none.”
  
Previous issues of Nexus have focused on the new emphasis on international studies, and as part of the effort to strengthen liberal arts offerings, the Creative and Fine Arts Department is also receiving renewed attention. The department was created in 2001 as part of the College of Arts and Sciences and currently offers an undergraduate degree in art education, with plans to develop majors in the fine and performing arts. The department was also recently charged with overseeing the Art Gallery on the Westbrook College Campus. In addition, it will continue to assist with art exhibitions on the University Campus, which for many years has been a showcase for local and regional artists exhibiting a wide range of media, with small gallery spaces located in the Campus Center and Stella Maris lobbies.

Greg Murphy, former vice president of academic affairs and dean at Maine College of Art, joined UNE this fall as the new chair of the Creative and Fine Arts Department and he is highlighted in a separate article. Interim CAS Dean Paul Burlin said, “Bringing in someone like Greg Murphy, with his many years of experience as an artist, teacher and administrator will greatly enhance and strengthen UNE’s liberal arts program.” Burlin added, “Strengthening and diversifying our current programs in the liberal arts marks a major sea change for the cultural and intellectual currents of this university and we are very excited about these new directions.”

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