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Joining the Frey: The Battle for the Liberal Arts

Episode length: 53m

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Chris is joined by Jennifer Frey, professor of philosophy in the department of philosophy & religion at The University of Tulsa, and former Dean of the Honors College at TU. They discuss the university’s recent decision to eliminate her position as dean and restructure the Honors College, the power dynamics at play within university governance, and the value of liberal education more broadly.

· Jennifer’s X thread announcing her departure as Dean
· Jennifer’s New York Times essay recounting her experience
· Lee Trepanier’s response to Jennifer’s essay
· Stanley Fish’s essay in The Lamp, and Jennifer’s response to it

Time stamps:
1:12 Jennifer’s introduction and professional background
4:52 Jennifer’s success with the University of Tulsa’s Honors College
20:11 Why TU’s administration killed the Honors College
25:24 Structural shortcomings of university governance
35:29 Liberal education and the datafication of the university
43:07 Higher education as the pursuit of wisdom

Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.

Host:
Christopher J. Scalia