Advancing our Public Liberal Arts Mission: A Strategic Focus on Distinctiveness & Distinction A Participatory Keynote Session GC&SU, October 21, 2005 By David G. Brown Professor and Provost Emeritus, Wake Forest University Interim President GC&SU (Fall 2003) Chancellor UNCA ( )

My Intended Agenda Planning Criteria Objective of Planning (i.e.-- Self Respect) Threshold Features (yours then mine) Opportunities for distinction Comments and Questions (yours) Personal Remarks (mine)

The Five Criteria (THE BEST I’ve ever seen!) 1)Centrality to mission 2)Potential for capitalizing on existing strengths 3)Potential for gaining broad faculty support 4)Potential for external recognition as exemplary 5)Potential for sustainability.

Self Respect STUDENTS LEARN MOST WHEN THEY THINK… …their college is great …their curriculum is terrific …their professors are competent and caring …their facilities & equipment are up to date …their fellow students are capable future leaders …they can succeed doing the unthinkable …of themselves as intellectual and social leaders of the emerging generation

Your Goal in Planning Increase Self Respect! Increase the likelihood that GC&SU graduates will expect as much of themselves as the graduates of Davidson, Amherst, Swarthmore, and Reed!

The Steps 1/ Already committed as a PLAC For 3 centuries, LACs have graduated a disportionate share of the nation’s leaders. As the % of private college grads has plummeted from 50% to 15%, you are committed to preserving the strategy. 2/ What are the features of PLACs? 3/ How can GC&SU become known as one of the best of the PLACs?

The Bundle of Attributes That Differentiate PLACs from Most Regional Universities 1. On a notecard, write down 3-5 attributes. 2. On the back, sign it & list your school or university affiliation 3. Masking tape your card to the wall.

The Bundle of Attributes That Differentiate Public Liberal Arts Colleges Small (less than 5000 students) Statewide (< 25% home county) Undergraduate (<5% graduate students) Selective (above SAT/ACT average) Free-standing Campus (not branch) Liberal Arts Emphasis Extensive Co-curricular Programming

Future of Public Liberal Arts Colleges Competition from Converting Regionals Apex for Economic Development Networked with Flagship University Highly Interactive, Collaborative Intense Campus Community Emphasis upon Full Time Faculty

Future of Universities Customized Learning Alternatives Student-Centered Database Project-Centered Learning Like Insurance Broker. Investment Advisor. LLC Residence Halls 3 of 5 Courses On Campus Global

Pillars of Distinction -Provide Institution-Wide Self Respect -Capitalize upon Existing Strengths and/or Comparative Advantages -Potential as one of top 5 in the nation -Visible and marketable -Workshop for other COPLACs; Brag Points Each Pillar of Distinction might be promised enhanced funding for each of the next 3 years, plus an all institution advisory committee, plus special attention from the development office.

Your Ideas Re Candidates for Pillars of Distinction Status 1.On a notecard, write down 2-3 possible candidates for differentiating pillars of distinction. 2. Masking tape your card to the wall.

Possible Pillars of Distinction Universal professional internships Universal certification in “historical literacy” Universal global experience Universal Undergraduate Research Famous Women– artists, business leaders, civic leaders, educators, etc. Partnership with Flagship University Unique campus-community relationship calendar, Flannery O’Connor, Liberal Arts in the Middle Schools

My Keynoting Charge to you-- Maximize Self Respect Relate to the Five Criteria Think “Students First” Identify/Support 2-3 Pillars of Distinction Nurture/Support F2F Interactive Communities Create a pervasive understanding of the Pillars of Distinction Think Big: Expect to become the #1 COPLAC This is a very special place!

Your Comments and Questions