The School of Liberal Arts is pleased to highlight Raymond Haberski, Professor of History and Director of American Studies, who recently accepted the Associate Dean for Academic Programs position.
The School of Liberal Arts is ready to reestablish the value of liberal arts education with a fresh direction. Dean Tamela Eitle writes, “The Dean’s office is enthusiastic about the addition of Dr. Ray Haberski to our leadership team. His creativity in the design and implementation of the Ph.D. program in American Studies is the kind of innovative thinking that will help our office collaborate with faculty to think beyond the usual in the School of Liberal Arts.” This transition of leadership coincides with a quick-changing collegiate landscape, perhaps marking the beginning of a new phase for the school.
Responsible for course planning and assessment within the School of Liberal Arts, the Associate Dean works with all programs and departments to “defend the role of Liberal Arts on the campus and in the community.” When asked about his vision for the role, Dr. Haberski honors the examples of his predecessors. He says, “I follow other associate deans of academic programs, who were excellent at these jobs, so my hope is to find new ways to help my colleagues build better, plan more effectively, and showcase the great work they do to the campus and university administrators.”
Dr. Haberski indicates that the school is focusing on growing areas, like Law in Liberal Arts, Medical Humanities, and Medical Sociology. He also plans to build upon the school’s larger departments, including Communication Studies, English, and Economics. “The school simply has a great deal to offer,” he declares.
Dr. Haberski is also the director for the Institute for American Thought (IAT). He plans to step away from this role as he assumes his new position but will remain the director of the American Studies Program, the doctoral program in particular. His work with IAT has “direct relevance to” his hopes for the dean’s office. The faculty talent and the connections that the school has throughout Indianapolis communities are things he believes will benefit students. As a historian, he tends look beyond one event or one person. “Ultimately, people make history,” he says, “we as a group have the ability to shape how we work together as an intellectual force for change for our students and our city.”
When it comes to speaking directly to students Dr. Haberski’s door is open. Eager to help learners develop their own degree path, he encourages anyone and everyone to share their dreams for the future. It might be all too simple these days to get stuck in preset plans and go for obvious options. Haberski says, “I know that it is easy [for students] to Google career paths and course plans but chatting with me about their hopes at IUPUI goes beyond what a search engine can return. I want to be a resource that brings students to our faculty in new and productive ways.” He continues, “Think creatively. Do not settle for a packaged plan of study—be willing to put disciplines and fields together and use as much of the university as you can.”