Michael Fein has been appointed dean of Johnson & Wales University’s John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences at the Providence campus. He officially started on July 1. More than 1,300 students are enrolled in the college’s 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Fein, who holds a doctorate in American history from Brandeis University, started at JWU in 2007 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to assistant dean in 2013, then associate dean in 2018.
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PBN: As the new dean of the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences, what are some of the things that are tops on your to-do list for the college?
FEIN: The arts and sciences are well-positioned to support the development of interdisciplinary programs, and connect students, faculty and ideas in unexpected ways. We will soon offer an equine assisted therapies specialization that bridges the diverse fields of psychology, occupational therapy and equine studies. We are also developing a data analytics program, which draws not only on mathematics and computer science but also business and health care. This coming year, we will launch a “design your own” major that will allow students to craft their own individualized program of study around a self-selected theme or issue.
PBN: Johnson & Wales University will open its Center for Media Production, a studio space for students to learn how to operate equipment used in the field. Why did the university conclude having such a space was important?
FEIN: The media industry continues to change. Students are no longer thinking about themselves as “just a writer” or “just a filmmaker.” Graduates of our Media & Communication Studies program will enter a work environment in which they might be expected to script a story, mic an interview subject and edit a digital packet that can be deployed in print, audio and video formats.
The Center for Media Production allows them to gain practical experience in all these areas under one roof, while using industry standard equipment, such as powerful Mac Pro workstations, light-controlled recording and soundproof podcasting studios, and Blackmagic URSA mini digital cameras capable of 4K video recording.
PBN: With technology playing such a dominant role in our lives, it seems so much emphasis is being put on STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – fields of study. What would you say to parents and students who, in this environment, don’t see as much value in a degree in the arts and sciences?
FEIN: A degree in the arts and sciences gives students the skills they need not only to begin their career but also for professional advancement. Our faculty work tirelessly to sharpen students’ analytic and expressive abilities – skills needed in every domain – while also providing them with deep, discipline-specific knowledge in fields ranging from biology and criminal justice to economics, sociology and political science. This integrated approach to education is a powerful tool to help students achieve their academic and professional goals, while preparing them to shift across sectors in a dynamic and constantly evolving workplace. Employers routinely express that the communication and critical-thinking skills that graduates acquire in the liberal arts are what makes them so valuable to industry.
PBN: Students and families are concerned about the value of their education and maximizing their investment. How can colleges and universities ensure students achieve their degrees in an efficient manner?
FEIN: At JWU, incoming first-year students increasingly see earning a graduate degree in a professional field, such as law, counseling, or health care, as part of their pathway to success. We have responded by creating a variety of accelerated graduate programs that allow students to save time and money by earning these degrees as part of a continuous path of study.
We have a five-year program that allows our psychology undergraduates to jump-start a graduate degree in our Master of Science counseling programs, as well as a 3+3 Law program offered in conjunction with Roger Williams University School of Law. We also offer competitive advantages to our biology and health science students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in physician assistant studies or occupational therapy offered by Johnson & Wales.
PBN: Nearly every college is now talking about its brand of experiential education. Why is it important for students and what are some examples of it in the College of Arts & Sciences?
FEIN: Students feel deeply invested in their education when its real-world relevance is clear and explicit. Our time-tested brand of experiential education threads pragmatic, hands-on learning throughout our entire curriculum.
Students in the College of Arts & Sciences use case studies and real-world datasets in the classroom and enjoy a host of specialized spaces on campus, such as a high-tech crime lab, an extensive equine center, and state-of-the-art biology labs. Beyond the classroom, our political science students work with municipal governments to propose solutions to public-sector challenges.
By the time our students head out on internships, they are ready to hit the ground running. Ultimately, they graduate with a rich portfolio of practical experiences that distinguishes them when applying for jobs and propels them toward future successes.
William Hamilton is PBN staff writer and special projects editor. You can follow him on Twitter @waham or email him at hamilton@pbn.com.
