| Dean's Message
In our inaugural issue two years ago, I wrote that global thinking in the College meant two things: comprehensive thinking and international thinking. I now see that I left one out. Global thinking also means environmental thinking—thinking about the condition of the globe upon which we try to survive and thrive. This issue features Webster's Environmental Studies program, as well as a story about one of the world's pre-eminent environmentalists and our own esteemed advisory board member, Dr. Peter Raven of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Living in harmony with our environment is not getting easier, as the globe heats up and consequences loom. Nor is living in harmony with one another, as our leaders inflame hatred by rashly branding those who are different as evil, and thereby dehumanizing them. Webster English professor Meg Sempreora and English alumna Jane Ibur use literature to point us in a different direction—the way that begins by saying that we are all human, and thus that we can all find a common ground and build from there. "Murderers are often my best students," says Janey. If you have ever wondered why literature is labeled as one of the "humanities," this story is your answer. Much is happening in the Arts & Sciences at Webster University—new programs, new faculty (including Prof. Jill Stulce, interviewed in these pages), and, of course, many, many new students. But others, sadly, have left us. Most notable for the University worldwide is the loss of Bill HuddlestonBerry, beloved professor and visionary campus leader, who died last summer after battling with cancer for a year. For more than three decades Bill chaired the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department, oversaw the vast expansion of the Counseling program, and taught Sociology and Counseling to hundreds of adoring students. For a moving memorial, visit the A&S website at http://www.webster.edu/depts/artsci/news/bill.htm.Sincerely,
David Carl Wilson P.S. You can learn more about us at http://www.webster.edu/depts/artsci/. And drop me a note at globalthinking@webster.edu with your questions or opinions. I'd love to hear from you. |
Welcome to Global Thinking, the newsletter of the College of Arts and Sciences at Webster University. 
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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Science, Humanities Intersect in Environmental Studies Literature for the Left Behind Faculty Feature Advisory Board Spotlight: Peter Raven
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