As this blog entry is being posted, I’ve just returned from serving on a panel about the future of higher education held in conjunction with the inauguration of Dr. Shaun McKay, the new president of Suffolk Community College. I’ve discovered that it’s surprisingly difficult to fly from Rochester to Long Island, taking much longer than might be expected (which is probably true of most travel today). The one thing I do enjoy about traveling is the uninterrupted reading time it provides, which leads to my topic this week . . . what I’m reading and why.
Last week, I had the honor of reviewing The Other Wes Moore for the Rochester Public Library’s “Books Sandwiched-In” series. The book charts the divergent paths of two young men, both named Wes Moore, who were born into similar circumstances in Baltimore. One, the author, goes on to have a distinguished military career, graduates from Johns Hopkins, becomes a Rhodes scholar, serves as an intern to Baltimore’s then-mayor Kurt Schmoke, and becomes a White House fellow. The “other” Wes Moore drops out of high school, joins the drug trade, and is eventually sentenced to life in prison for murder. The essential question of the book is how did the lives of these two men with so much in common turn out so differently—and the call to action is how can we make sure that fewer of our young men grow into “the other Wes Moore.” The story and its message seemed quite on point for Rochester at this moment, which may be one reason my review drew nearly 125 folks to the library. I have passed the book on to Marcus Watts in our Doorway to Success Program for his reading and possible use with these students.
In my review, I pulled a few ideas and passages from other texts, among them Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture. This is a quick but resonant read—reflections on a life lived and guidelines for lives lived better and more mindfully. It was quite surprising to get an e-mail from one of your MCC colleagues about The Last Lecture the very same week I had pulled it from my shelf. Her note included a truly fantastic idea for a new program at the college. Look for more about it in the coming weeks.
Upon receipt of the report from the Serving Students Best (SSB) committee, I also hit the research trail to immerse myself in the most recent literature on enrollment management and student retention. One of my staff laughingly called me a “geek” last week, but I am unapologetic about my love of research and analysis. It’s in my bones, and to respond to the thorough report submitted by SSB, I needed to become more fluent in the concepts posed. The report’s authors—including the directors of the impacted areas and the vice presidents—and I met last week, and we’re now poised for SSB, the next step.
Until realizing that I was obligated to a League meeting during the upcoming intersession, I was preparing to teach a women’s literature course come January, so I’ve been rereading many of my classroom favorites. Just as I was putting the final touches on my syllabus, the Franzenfreude debate erupted (an easy Google), suggesting that wars about the academic canon are always lurking below the calm surface. That this latest round of high art/low art back and forth began on Twitter seems perfect for our time. It was a true joy to re-engage in my field of study, and I’m looking forward to the possibility of teaching in intersession 2012.
And, finally, I carried the most recent New York Times magazine, the Education Issue, during the trip. Regardless of your feelings about education technology, you’ll find support in the magazine. One of my favorite quotes in the issue comes from Jaron Lanier, “Learning at its truest is a leap into the unknown.”
What are you reading? And will you be wearing black and gold on Spirit Day (Friday, September 24) while you read? Let me know on the blog.
Anne M. Kress
President
09/22/2010 |