TCAC
August 1999 Report Index
Index to Appendices
TCAC August 1999 Report
Appendix 3
What's so Important about Scholarship?
Acting UW Bothell Chancellor, Stanely Slater, Spring Quarter 1999.
During one visit to Olympia, a legislator asked me if UWB faculty were
doing research (naturally, a more interesting questions than "Why do you
need a parking garage?"). My response, "Of course, we are part of the
University of Washington..." did not satisfy this particular legislator.
I found myself describing research from each program, stressing its value
to our students and our communities. The legislator responded, "Oh, you
mean you are doing quality scholarship."
This anecdote would be funny were it not so serious. Many stake-holders
do
not appreciate scholarship's contributions to our mission, and the
economic, social, and cultural lives of our communities. I will not try
to prioritize these contributions; I simply want to recognize few:
-
Exploration of interesting topics attracts and retains the best and
brightest faculty. We became faculty due to our love of learning and
desire to impart that love to our students. Scholarship is the vehicle.
-
Good scholars are good teachers. Even in fields such as Chinese
history or Elizabethan drama, new insights and discoveries are made
frequently. Only by staying current, through scholarship, can we keep our
subject matter alive.
-
The most highly regarded institutions of higher education possess a
healthy, vibrant intellectual climate. A recent study of business
schools shows that schools most valued by recruiters have the best
reputation for scholarship. These students will have the advantage.
-
There is increasing pressure to involve undergraduates in faculty
research projects for critical thinking enhancement. Such projects
will exist only where research is valued and encouraged.
-
Whether involving restoration ecology, health care for an aging
population, human-computer interaction, or any number of topics, research
makes our communities of life and practice better places.
Whether referred to as research or creative works, scholarship must be
encouraged and celebrated. I don't anticipate feeling defensive about
scholarship again. The following pages exemplify scholarship taking place
at the University of Washington, Bothell, an endeavor I am very proud to
be a part of.
(From the University of Washington, Bothell newsletter, Spring
Quarter 1999, Volume 1, number 2.)
TCAC
August 1999 Report Index
Index to Appendices
