The spring issue of STETSON University Magazine asked those viewing the university’s Facebook page to “tell us about Stetson mentors who changed your life.” Fifty-six alumni, students and faculty commented on the university’s Facebook page.

“We highly value the engagement and perspectives shared  in our social media channels,” said Greg Carroll, vice president of Stetson University Marketing. “Important topics generate a wealth of responses, often sparking dialogue that provides valuable insights into the beliefs, opinions and concerns of the Stetson community.”

While some who responded listed only their mentors’ names, others commented with lengthy write-ups about their favorite Stetson professors. You can view the comments in STETSON University Magazine online. 

“The overwhelming response on Facebook helped us frame the spring issue on Stetson teaching,” says Bill Noblitt, editor of the magazine. “The responses were so thoughtful that we decided to ask another question for our next issue: ‘Is a liberal arts education relevant today?’

“The magazine is focusing on the value of a liberal arts education since some experts question its validity in today’s world,” said Noblitt. “We’re addressing why the world needs broadly educated liberal arts graduates with their creative, analytical and critical thinking skills. We’re exploring the question in another way too: Is liberal learning dead?”

Noblitt cites several books on the topic, including Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink and Rethinking Undergraduate Business Education: Liberal Learning for the Profession by Anne Colby, Thomas Ehrlich, William M. Sullivan and Jonathan R. Dolle.

Tell us your thoughts on the value of a liberal arts education on the Stetson Facebook page. You can also follow Stetson on Twitter.