See the Light

GAMBIER, Ohio (August 30, 2007) A top educational scholar is bringing fresh insights to Kenyon on how faculty and administrators work best with college students.

Richard J. Light, the Walter H. Gale Professor of Education at Harvard University, visits on September. 5 and 6 to share his thoughts on strengthening the college experience. Light will address "The Importance of Academic Advising in Student Success" at 5:00 p.m., September 5, in the Brandi Recital Hall of Storer Hall to faculty members who are academic advisors.

He will discuss "Making the Most of the College Experience" in a public presentation during the Common Hour at 11:10 a.m., September. 6, in Rosse Hall. He'll tackle "Diversity and Civic Engagement as Critical Parts of College Life" in a public presentation at 1:15 p.m., Sept. 6, in the Brandi Recital Hall of Storer Hall.

Jane Martindell, dean for academic advising, said Light will share results of a recent survey of the class of 2007. The information he conveys is accented by his passion for education. "He's a go-getter," Martindell said. "He's saying, 'Here's what works. Here are some things you might find helpful.'

"He's inspiring. And he wants to have a conversation with us."

Kenyon's leadership history in academic advising and its tradition of a faculty engaged with student growth make the college fertile ground for Light's message, Martindell said.

Light is the author of seven books, including Making the Most of College: Students Speak Their Minds. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has chaired its project to explore changing demographics in higher education. At the Kennedy School, Light is chair of the Forum on Excellence and Innovation, a project designed to encourage innovations and assessment at America's leading universities.