This fall, I was honored to serve as Whitman’s convocation speaker. When I agreed to speak, I had no idea what I would talk about, but by time I sat down to write it was obvious what question to ask. It was a fun speech to write, and as I learned more, I changed my conclusion several times. It was a fun speech to deliver, and I appreciate all those who laughed in the right places. Continue reading
Category Archives: Public Relations
Cultivating our seed corn (after Eric Roberts)
In which I report briefly on my first LACS meeting, discuss the hiring crisis in computer science, and plea for CS Ph.D.s to return to academia.
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Letter to the Editor: Whitman sees increased interest in computer science
Yesterday the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin printed my first letter to the editor. I read an article about demand for computer science in the Sunday newspaper, and was disappointed that there was no local angle on the story. Wednesday morning I got to work early and wrote this letter. Thanks to Gina Ohnstad, Manager of Media and Public Relations, for her feedback and assistance. Continue reading
Institutional relationships
When I was a newly minted assistant professor at Grinnell, at first I didn’t know many people beyond my department and the other new faculty. There were the Dean, the division chairs, and the HR representative I met during my interview. I’m sure I met a librarian and some folks from Student Affairs during New Faculty Orientation. But there were whole offices I would only gradually become aware of during the nine years that I spent there.
Starting a new program at Whitman means getting to know these folks very quickly. I’ve sought some out, and some have sought me out. This blog post will address my relationships at Whitman thus far.