U.S. News: What do you see as the value of a liberal arts education in today’s age of rapidly growing technology and artificial intelligence?
Tetlow: AI has made the liberal arts more important than ever.
- In this changing economy, the jobs that will survive will be those that require the most human of skills. Ironically, the most technical and pragmatic professions are the easiest to replace with technology.
- We teach those human skills in the liberal arts, especially the critical thinking necessary to question an algorithm. Through literature and art, we teach empathy and emotional intelligence necessary for leadership and teamwork. And we help students build the moral compass to navigate a new world.
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U.S. News: What would you say to a student who is interested in Fordham but for whom the school’s Jesuit identity is not a draw?
Tetlow: Jesuit education means 500 years of credibility in the quality of our teaching. The Jesuits helped create higher education as we know it around the world. They have been scholars, scientists and explorers who nurture endless curiosity. They believed in experiential learning and educating the “whole student” long before it became trendy.
- At Fordham, we stuff your head full of knowledge – but not just that. We care about the quality of your heart. We will help you find the mission and purpose that will drive you forward forever. And we do it in New York, with access to every possible career and opportunity.
U.S. News: You recently oversaw a very successful fundraising campaign “to enhance the student experience.” What has been enhanced as a result?
Tetlow: Through our internship promise, we have begun ensuring that all undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete at least one internship or research experience, making sure students learn by doing, with access to the astonishing possibilities of New York.
- We now offer every student training in AI, while continuing to ground them in the human fundamentals necessary for the jobs of the future. We have invested in career services, achieving a remarkable 96% placement rate this year.
- We wrap our students in support, caring for their mind, body and spirit in the Jesuit tradition.
