Melissa Vise, Assistant Professor of History, teaches a hybrid class

Note from the Dean

Do you recall teaching your first college-level course? Whether it was this past fall or thirty years ago, most of us entered our first classroom with nerves not quieted by the possession of hard-earned degrees. Instead, only the entrance of our students calmed our stomachs and released the magic of the classroom.

Today, our swirling emotions likely stem from a different source. We welcome students to Winter term against a backdrop including national political unrest and a relentless pandemic. Still, I deeply hope that returning to the classroom provides a salve as you stand on the certainty of your expertise, pedagogical prowess, and commitment to students. Whatever anxiety we feel is surely magnified for students preparing to navigate another unconventional term. We must remind them that regardless of all COVID has changed, they can take comfort in our resolute dedication to their success.

The words of Martin Luther King, Jr. remind us of the importance of our task: "Rarely do we find [people] who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think."

Teaching students to think has never been more crucial, and I wish you much success and joy as we embark upon this work.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Kathleen Olson-Janjic, Pamela H. Simpson Professor of Art with Ashley Shugart '22

Kathleen has worked tirelessly to deliver in-person classes to her studio art students with the same thoughtfulness and enthusiasm she has invested in her practice for 33 years at W&L. Not satisfied with simply maintaining her teaching excellence, during Fall term Kathleen learned new digital technology, completely re-envisioned her painting classes to make them safe for students, closely advised students, and continued to be an extraordinary mentor to junior colleagues in the Art and Art History department.