Message from the Dean, April 2013

Carole Haber, Tulane University

The School of Liberal Arts' Unique Strategic Vision

What makes the School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University unique? Since early fall, this question has been central to the strategic planning taking place in the school. Despite the range of fields covered by our 16 departments and 18 programs, there is little question that we share a commitment to the value of a liberal arts education. Our students develop skills in research, communication, analysis, and inquiry. They leave Tulane to further their education or to start their careers prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Our faculty members are leaders in their chosen fields. They bring the excitement of their research into the classroom as they seek to challenge and inspire.

But the School of Liberal Arts is not simply another fine liberal arts institution. Through our strategic plan, we have created an exceptional vision founded on three essential components: place, approach, and mission. In our dedication to place-based learning, we engage with New Orleans, the greater Gulf region, and Latin America. In our belief in interdisciplinary inquiry, our faculty and students reach beyond traditional academic boundaries. In our pursuit of social innovation, we foster a life-long enthusiasm for service to the community and the world.

These components not only serve to define the character of SLA but are deeply embedded in four themes that we have identified as strengths or emerging strengths of the school: Gulf South Culture; Digital Arts and Humanities; Global Latin America; and, Crises and Innovations. Each of these themes cuts across departmental lines, reflecting the interests and activities of our faculty and students. Each is tied to the special nature of our location and our belief that education does not end at the classroom’s walls. Each will bring recognition to SLA as a school of innovative research, teaching, and service. Over the next few years, we will constantly be updating you on the progress of the strategic plan and the enhancement of our themes. I know you will come to share our enthusiasm and our conviction that, based on place, approach and mission, the new vision for the School of Liberal Arts is as exciting as it is distinctive.