What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Oh the Humanities!
Dec 19, 2023
Guest Michael Powell, from The Atlantic, discusses the recent changes at West Virginia University, focusing on practical majors that lead directly to a job. They explore the impact of these changes on the university and its students, as well as the debate around the value of a liberal arts degree. The podcast also delves into the challenges faced by state university systems in the US and the potential decline of these systems.
26:18
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The dramatic cuts to programs at West Virginia University raised questions about the value of a liberal arts education and the role of universities in preparing students for successful careers.
- The decline in enrollment and budget deficit at West Virginia University, despite the focus on practical majors, highlights the importance of diversifying programs and emphasizing the value of liberal arts education.
Deep dives
The Vision for Academic Transformation
West Virginia University President Gordon Gee implemented major changes to the school's academic programs, focusing on practical majors that directly lead to jobs. He argued that the university should align its programs with the needs of the state, particularly in areas like health education. However, the cuts resulted in the elimination of 28 programs, including world languages and linguistics, recreation majors, and the math PhD program. This move sparked protests and raised questions about the value of a liberal arts education and the role of universities in preparing students for successful careers.
