Focus Newsletter - 91社区

Del Doughty, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts

A Word from the Dean

Things are moving fast, it's hard to keep up and it's tough to find anyone who can say with any certainty what's going on. On top of that there are the latest developments in generative artificial intelligence (AI). Also, the weather is non-stop terrible and scary at times. It's hard to maintain focus on any one thing for very long. Almost everyone I talk to feels anxious, stymied, and stunned鈥攎ostly stunned鈥攁t the start of 2025.

And yet, there is still firm ground on which to stand. There are some things that remain clearly good, right and true. Students still need to learn how to write effectively, solve differential equations and understand history. People still hope to improve themselves in any number of ways: getting fit, learning new skills, making moral progress on any number of fronts. We all still dream of better lives for ourselves and our friends and loved ones. 听听

This week, I attended the annual meeting of the American Conference of Deans, where Dr. Patricia Okker was the keynote speaker. Not too long ago, she was named the president of New College in Florida after a long and distinguished academic career at the University of Missouri. Shortly after she was appointed, she was voted out by the board of trustees鈥攏ot the board that appointed her, but a replacement board. It was in the news a lot back then. You may have read about it. 听听

As you might expect, Okker has a lot to say about navigating uncertainty in higher education. Uncertainty, she observed, is a fundamental reality in higher education. That we do not acknowledge that fact in our strategic planning exercises comes at our own expense because we end up spending enormous amounts time and money on things we did not or could not have predicted: 听the pandemic, for example, or AI or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), or the undoing of DEI. The list goes on, extending back as far as one cares to go. Okker believes that every strategic plan should include the line, 鈥�We will handle the crisis we don't see coming.鈥� And to hold ourselves accountable to that commitment, she says we should have a plan that goes beyond "hope and pray.鈥� If we wouldn't accept that as a strategy for, say, enrollment, then we shouldn't accept it as a plan for handling turbulence and crises.听

Her strategy for navigation centers on resilience鈥攎ore specifically, on building resilient organizations and resilient leaders. The way to build resilient organizations is to commit to succession planning and cross-training in all areas; to practice crisis management by workshopping various scenarios; to invest in communication training; and, regardless of our role within the institution, to see ourselves as bridge builders who are connected up, down and sideways to student leaders, administrators, trustees, faculty and staff members, and community partners. She encourages people in leadership positions to prioritize their well-being (i.e., maintain hobbies and decent sleep in the interest of staying sharp) and finally, to assemble a support team ahead of the time when they'll need it. The support team shouldn't be just an emotional support team but should have people with legal expertise and political savvy.听

As she was wrapping up her talk, I looked around the room of 300 or so people in the audience. Hardly anyone was checking email or scrolling through their phones. 听They were all paying attention and taking notes. Afterwards, everyone agreed that it was the momentary stay against confusion they had been needing, a wisdom that was at once realistic, hopeful and concrete.听

What's New at the College?

The Collage Podcast!

The College of Liberal Arts Collage podcast now has five episodes for you to enjoy, spanning the history of the alma mater, the new BFA degree, the anniversaries celebrated by our Social Work Department and much more.听

Featured Story

Mock Trial Team

Did you know 91社区 has a mock trial team and class? Dr. Nick LaRowe, Associate Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Coordinator, worked with a student to create the mock trial team and class to 鈥減ush students to develop abilities in many areas including to complex problem solving, public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking. 听

The American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) creates a fictitious case file for litigation each year and the team must prepare a case for both sides. At competition, the team competes in four rounds; twice as the plaintiff/prosecution, and twice as the defense. Team members play witnesses, attorneys or sometimes both roles.听

Sydney Boyd, a 91社区 political science major and pre-law minor, chose the mock trial team because 鈥渋t teaches you to research, analyze cases, and construct persuasive arguments, all while improving your ability to think on your own feet. It is also a fantastic way to make connections early on in undergrad.鈥�听

LaRowe鈥檚 primary goal for the mock trial team and class is for students to enjoy the experience and gain new friends as part of the bonding during competitions. 鈥淏eyond that, I would like to see how we stack up against other schools in the region, from other regional universities and liberal arts colleges, to major research institutions,鈥� says LaRowe. 鈥淭he team has shown tremendous growth and improvement in our first year and I do not think we are close to the end of this stage of rapid improvement.鈥�听

鈥淢y favorite part of being on the mock trial team is the moment we present our case in front of the judges. It is thrilling to see all our hard work and preparation come together as we bring our roles to life in the courtroom,鈥� says Boyd. 鈥淭he most challenging part for me is balancing the time commitment of preparing for trials with my studies and other responsibilities. It can be demanding, but worth it when we compete and test our skills!鈥�听

Boyd also had some parting words for students who are interested in the mock trial team or the Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy Department. 听

鈥淚t is a fantastic opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that are valuable in many career paths. Whether it is enhancing your ability to think critically, improving your public speaking, or learning how to work effectively as part of a team, these experiences are incredibly enriching. Also, it is a great way to meet like-minded people who can become both friends and valuable professional contacts in the future. If you are interested, try it.鈥�听

The program is just getting started; there is still time to get in on the ground floor and be part of the generation of students who launched the team at 91社区!听

Visit the Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy Department webpage to learn more about the mock trial team and programs offered in the department. 听

Alum Spotlight:

Jourdan Seib 鈥�18

B.A. in German Studies / B.S. in Sport Management, with an emphasis in intercollegiate athletic administration听

Hometown: Evansville, Indiana

What brought you to 91社区?听

I transferred to 91社区 from the University of Alabama to be closer to family and because 91社区 was much smaller.听

What clubs or extracurricular activities did you participate in?听

I was not involved in any clubs while at 91社区, but I coached high school football, as well as managed a U.S. congressional campaign.听

How did 91社区 prepare you for your career?听

91社区 helped prepare me for my career by helping first teach me cultural competency, as being in the German program opened me up to the idea that not everyone thinks or believes the same things I do. Secondly, the Sport Management program helped me realize working in college athletics is what I wanted to do for my future, as faculty there helped bring me to this realization. Dr. Dawn Norwood helped guide me to pursue my master's degree, which I eventually obtained from Indiana University 鈥� Bloomington, and her mentorship was a watershed moment for me on my journey.听

What made you decide to go to law school?听

While at Ohio State earning my doctorate in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, I took a course in labor law through the Moritz College of Law. My research was law adjacent, and so I always had an interest in the law. Being a first-generation college student, I assumed JDs were for the children of the wealthy, due to the expenses involved in attending law school. This is one reason I pursued the Ph.D., because I was being paid to be at Ohio State. After learning you could get your legal education paid for by doing well on the LSAT, I began studying for the LSAT and left my PhD to pursue my JD at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, where I am currently finishing my last semester.听

What are your future plans?听

I was recently offered to stay on at Buscher Law as an associate attorney after passing the bar exam this summer. The firm is a multi-disciplined firm, which services both the states of Colorado and Tennessee in such industries as the sport, music, and cannabis industries, along with many more.听

I am also heavily involved in college athlete rights, being a trusted voice of Congress to aid them in producing a legislative solution to enshrine their rights into law, as I represent the interests of thousands of college athletes through my partnerships in the industry.听

What advice would you give to current 91社区 students?听

Do not feel you have to rush to figure out what your path in life is. I did not find my true calling until I was 26 years old and almost finished with my Ph.D. I can almost guarantee you the vision you have in your head right now for how your future is going to go is going to change. Do not get down on yourself when this happens!听

The most important thing is finding your passion and pursuing it, because we are only on Earth for a minute. At the end of the day, our time here is miniscule when we look at the grand scheme of history. Do what gets you out of bed in the morning and feel no shame in it! It is this work that will make you feel fulfilled, which is different from being happy. It took me years to realize this. If you look at where you are in life and find yourself saying 鈥淚 am happy...but,鈥� you are doing something that makes you happy and not something that fulfills you. Find that thing that makes you feel you are fulfilling your purpose on this Earth.听

Student Spotlight:

Sydney Boyd 鈥�25

political science major and pre-law minor

Hometown: Petersburg, Indiana

What brought you to 91社区?听

I transferred from Indiana University鈥揚urdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to 91社区 after a year and a half to have a more personal school experience and be closer to my friends and family.听

What major/minor did you pick and why?听

I am a political science major and pre-law minor. I chose political science as my major because I have been interested and involved in local and state politics since I was little, following alongside my grandpa. I added the pre-law minor to help myself gain knowledge about law as I plan to attend law school.听听听

What clubs or extracurricular activities did you participate in?听

I am currently Vice President of the Pre-Law Club, a member of the Mock Trial Team and the Econ Games Team.听听听

Why did you choose the mock trial team?听

I chose the mock trial team because I believe it is the best way to learn public speaking skills, how to think critically, and teaches hands on legal procedures while working as part of a team. It teaches you to research, analyze cases and construct persuasive arguments, all while improving your ability to think on your own feet. It is also a great way to make connections early on as an undergraduate. Beyond law, it strengthens communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are useful in many careers.听

What are your plans after graduation?听

After I graduate, I plan to obtain my MBA though 91社区 and then attend law school.听听听

What advice would you give to current or prospective 91社区 students?听

Get involved! Getting involved in clubs and teams in college is a fantastic way to meet peers who share your interests and to expand your social and professional networks. It also provides valuable experiences that can enhance your resume, teach practical skills, and improve your overall college experience through active engagement and leadership opportunities.听听听

Featured Events:

Social Media Symposium

Thursday, March 27
6 p.m. | Carter Hall

In-person and Zoom option
*Registration required for Zoom

Kaylee Johnson 鈥�20 鈥�22, Media Relations Specialist at 91社区, will present Behind the Screens: The Strategy, Wins and Chaos of Managing 91社区鈥檚 Socials as the keynote speaker for the annual Social Media Symposium. Learn about the organized chaos of the social media management world from one of our own 91社区 alumni.听

Learn More

Harmony and Dissonance: the 17th Annual Interdisciplinary Colloquium听

Tuesday, April 8
8 a.m. | Carter Hall

The beauty of harmony and collaboration is their ability to harness dissonance in the service of peace and agreement. This idea rings especially true in a present reality marked as much by conflict as by community. Both human-made and natural disasters can foster moments of togetherness and altruism. This same dynamic plays out in learning environments, where friction can serve as a catalyst to inspire change: we often learn through productive conflict, discomfort and respectful engagement with opposing viewpoints.听

Learn more

College of Liberal Arts Achievements

Dr. Stella Ress, Associate Professor of History, published her monograph this February. 听The book explores how popular portrayals of preadolescent girls helped address societal anxieties exacerbated by depression and war, including generational conflicts, gender issues, racial tensions and urban-rural divides. This transformation not only mirrored societal changes but also played a role in shaping perceptions of femininity, youth and social values, leaving an indelible mark on American cultural history that continues to resonate today.听

Dr. Oana Armeanu, Chair of Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy Department, published an article titled in Government and Opposition, a Cambridge University Press journal in January. The article explores the fast rise of populist radical right parties by examining the support for the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) in Romania during the coronavirus crisis.听听

Dr. Jason Callahan, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, and Stacey Clifton, published an article titled in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education this February. The current study examines the support for law enforcement among higher education students, focusing on their perceptions of police and their engagement with crime-related media.听

Dr. Trent Engbers, Director of the Master of Public Administration Program, and Israeli collaborators published an article titled in January in Israel Affairs that explains the influence and experience of the Druze religion in the Middle East and the role of social capital in understanding their unique experience.听

Dr. Del Doughty, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, published an article in The Department Chair: Volume 35, Issue 3 in January titled . 听

Dr. Taylor Petty, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, and Dr. Jason Callahan, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, presented preliminary data analyses exploring domestic violence in Vanderburgh County to the Mayor's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence. The analyses are intended to highlight areas of importance in the processing of domestic violence cases in our community.听

Aaron Pryor, Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services and lecturer in Social Work, passed his dissertation defense at the end of January. Pryor is an alumnus from the 91社区 BSW and MSW programs and will graduate with his 91社区 Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in May.听

Al Holen, Professor of Ceramics, was invited by Professor Malcolm Mobutu Smith of IU to the 2025 Summer Pentaculum at Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft. This is a seven-day intense workshop where 10 artists in each supported media get to work together in a professional studio. 听

Dr. Bryan Moore, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, and two co-writers from other universities published an article titled in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education听in February. 听听

Dr. Matt Hanka, Professor of Political Science, was Interviewed twice for the Evansville Courier and Press on and regarding local and national politics. 听

Hanka, Dr. Nick LaRowe, Associate Professor of Political Science,听and Dr. Monica O鈥橬eil, Director of Service Learning, received a Strengthening Campus and Community Election Engagement Grant from the Community-Engaged Alliance for the following election season events in the Fall. 听

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate Watch Party听

September 16-20, 2024: Voter Registration Drive听

September 17, 2024: Annual reading of the U.S. Constitution听

October 24, 2024: Indiana Governor鈥檚 Debate Watch Party听

November 7, 2024: Post-Election Analysis and Discussion with Dr. Matt Hanka and Dr. Nick LaRowe听

Hanka also had several radio and TV appearances and lectures over the past year. 听

January 25, 2024: 听

May 7, 2024: 听

April 24, 2024: 听

August 15, 2024: 听

May 16, 2024: 听

October 23, 2024: 听

January 16:

Lastly, in late December, Mayor Stephanie Terry appointed Hanka to a two-year term on the Evansville Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission. On Monday, January 13, the Evansville City Council reappointed him to another four-year term on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee (AHFAC). At the February 11 meeting of the AHFAC, Hanka was elected chair of the committee for 2025.听