University faculty provide students with a wealth of knowledge and foster new ideas. One professor bridged the gap between the history of the University and plans for its future by delivering an address titled “The Legacy of Thomas Jefferson,” advocating to restore the use of the amphitheater for the arts. Outside of teaching, professors write books, conduct research and win awards. They have garnered national and international attention of varying kinds, from being accused of communism to being recognized by a prestigious British organization to being asked to serve the president of the United States.
1950s
April 14, 1953
“Violent Attack Is Made On Communist Professors”
By Herb Funsten
Visiting University Prof. Vivian I. Thayer was named in an “American Mercury” article that attacked Communist educators in U.S. colleges and universities. Thayer denied the accusation wholeheartedly, saying that he was openly against any Communist influence in teaching. Thayer was among 3,500 educators accused of agitating for the Communist cause, which the “American Mercury” article called a “national scandal.”
1960s
April 19, 1961
“Egger’s Analysis of Pakistani Government Wins High Honor”
By unlisted author
Prof. Rowland Egger, a political science professor and chairman of the departments of foreign affairs and political science at the University, was awarded the British Royal Institute of Public Administration’s Haldane Prize. Egger is the first citizen of the United States to receive this honor. He was being recognized for his scientific work in government management and specifically for his study of government in Pakistan.
1970s
April 15, 1971
“Amphimess”
By unlisted author
Photos by Charley Sanda
Despite having low turnout, University Prof. Charles Whitebread’s address titled “The Legacy of Thomas Jefferson” raised several important points about the challenges facing the University as it expanded. Of these points, the most well-received focused on the Greek amphitheatre, which at the time was being used as a storage shed and parking lot. Whitebread argued that all automobile traffic should be banned from Grounds and that such a beautiful space as the amphitheatre should return to its use as a space for dramatic productions.
1980s
April 16, 1986
“Professors react to Libyan situation”
By Katie Long
After an American air strike against Libyan terrorist facilities, professors in the government and history departments shared their reactions. Their comments displayed mixed sentiments about the bombing that was intended to deter future actions of terrorism in Libya. Some faculty members thought the bombing could have positive effects but believed that the United States needed to address the political root of the violence to put an end to terrorist activities, while other professors thought the act of aggression could be seen as an action against the Libyan people, not just their government, and could worsen the problem of terrorism there.
1990s
April 16, 1998
“Childress seeks out bioethics answers”
By Sandy Timm and Rebecca Hall
Photos by Dan Cooper
Religious Studies Prof. James F. Childress was nominated to serve on President Clinton’s National Bioethics Advisory Commission, which advised the president on issues such as human rights in science. At the University, Childress taught courses such as RELG 265, “Theology, Ethics and Medicine,” and said that despite his high-profile job advising Clinton, he was still deeply passionate about his teaching. On the Commission, Childress headed the Human Subjects Subcommittee and focused on genetic ethics.
2000s
April 18, 2008
“Towards equal pay”
By Hamza Shaban
Photo by unlisted photographer
In this opinion piece, the author asserts that the published salaries of University faculty demonstrate a trend of rising recruitment of female professors. While there are challenges faced by women in academia that make it harder to achieve tenure and consequently higher pay, the University made it a goal to hire more women. “We want a faculty body that reflects the student body,” Interim College Dean Karen Ryan said.
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