Academic conference showcases scholarly pursuits of North Central College faculty

A North Central College conference showcased the scholarly work of professors, whose academic pursuits include conducting research, writing fiction and nonfiction and creating works of art.

“A Promising Start: Excellence in Scholarship” on Sept. 4 featured panel discussions, poster presentations and sessions during which nearly 40 faculty members shared stories and findings of their independent scholarly work.

“All here at North Central College accept that scholarship is not selfish or irrelevant but integral to effective teaching,” said Lisa Long, professor of English, Ruge Fellow and co-coordinator of the conference.

David Gray, associate professor of accounting, also a co-coordinator of the conference, said, “Our scholarship serves as a model to students and brings depth to what we teach.”

During the daylong “miniconference,” North Central College faculty discussed their research and writings exploring such topics as science, math, music, physical fitness, teacher education, crime, mortality, economics, service learning, history and political science. Virtually all the disciplines included in North Central’s comprehensive liberal arts curriculum were represented.

The event concluded with a keynote address by Harold R. Wilde, North Central College president.

“The most powerful teaching tool at the college level is a shared intellectual experience,” Wilde said. “Great teaching begins with a love of learning.”