Teaching to learn
The story of the University of St. Thomas professor who was denied tenure has continued to generate comments, some in email, some in personal conversation…and a new one in comments here in the Forum. The alum has plenty to say (down at that post) about the situation with Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall. And there’s a larger message in it about the role of a university and its faculty.
I was one of those students in Siobhan’s “fan club” but it had nothing to do with me thinking she was a “cool” or “fun” teacher – she is one of the most brilliant people I have ever met, and I would spend my free hours in her office finding solutions to the worlds problems.
I own a multi-million dollar corporation and part of what we’re doing and where we’re going is because of Siobhan. She forced me to get outside of my way of thinking and expand my vision… she taught me to think in different ways… and most important she forced me to be a leader.
What a powerful witness to the impact one really great teacher can have on a person, and the world that person goes on to impact.
She is one of 3 teachers I have had since middle school that has taught me lessons that I have carried over into the workforce. Some people agree with me and others think I’m a lunatic when I say that a majority of the information that I spent a fortune learning isn’t useful past getting a good grade in a class.
My company does business on a global level in China, Malaysia, Romania, India, and other parts of the world, and we have sold products on every continent, but not a single thing I learned in school prepared me for that…
And nothing prepared me for building up a corporation and expanding my vision and being a leader and innovator in my industry… that is all stuff I’ve had to learn by doing (and by failing)…
First, you teach students how to learn. Then they’ll spend a lifetime soaking up the lessons of life.
Siobhan isn’t just a Philosophy professor, she teaches independence, confidence, and most importantly leadership. That is something that is extremely rare to find in a teacher and that is why students are so fond of her.
By getting rid of Siobhan you are going to be doing one of the greatest disservices to the students at St. Thomas. You are going to take away one of your top professors who instills confidence in others and above all else, teaches leadership – I thought “leadership” was a virtue at St. Thomas (it’s funny how situations like this can show the real character of your “leaders”).
Leadership is a virtue. Its rarity has made it more precious these days, in politics, public life and academia, among other places. Obviously, the comments this professor has inspired – in the Aquin (the student newspaper that prompted the original post) and in the messages and conversations that followed – reflect the recognition, respect and honor her leadership deserves.
It’s hard enough just to find a professor teaching critical thinking skills anymore.