Issues that tap into the past, present and future of higher education and its impact on American society will be explored during a series of Saturday talks in February at Washington University in St. Louis.
Free and open to the public, the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) Saturday Lecture Series is sponsored by University College, the university’s professional and continuing education division in Arts & Sciences.
The lectures begin Feb. 6 and are offered every Saturday in February from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in January Hall, Room 110.
Now in its 35th year, the popular MLA series addresses a common theme from a variety of backgrounds.
Faculty speakers and their topics in this year’s series, titled “The Modern University,” are:
- Feb. 6: Robert E. Wiltenburg, dean emeritus of University College, on “The Ever-Modern University”;
- Feb. 13: Jennifer R. Smith, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, on “Educating to Innovate: The Liberal Arts in the 21st Century”;
- Feb. 20: Barbara A. Schaal, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology, on “Arts & Sciences: The Heart of a University”; and
- Feb. 27: Provost Holden Thorp, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and the Rita Levi-Montalcini Distinguished University Professor, on “The University Is Not a Business: Thoughts on How to Frame Higher Education for the Future.”
Lectures can be attended individually or in the entire series, but RSVPs are requested. To RSVP, call 314-935-6700 or visit the MLA series website.
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