Heightening the student experience is always the foremost goal , says Snyder , and a good deal of progress has already been made . “ We ’ re expanding our fulltime faculty , minimizing adjuncts , and leveraging opportunities to build a faculty that ’ s reflective of our student body in terms of diversity ,” he notes .
Admissions is also focused on growing the pipeline of students in the humanities . “ Our newly instituted talent scholarship is designed to attract more students interested in majoring in philosophy , English , and the world languages ,” explains Snyder . “ The scholarship is based on the portfolio model that ’ s used in the performing , visual , and media arts , but in this instance those interested in pursuing degrees in writing and philosophy are asked to submit their work for review .” Scholarships of this type are awarded above and beyond the merit scholarships that currently exist , he notes .
“ Members of our faculty visit the school regularly , as do I , but we want to ensure that high school students across the area are aware of all the wonderful opportunities the College has to offer .”
Outreach expands opportunities
While enriching the educational experience for JU students is always Snyder ’ s first priority , he is also deeply committed to cultivating a culture of the arts and humanities within the campus walls and across the region . College faculty are collaborating with academic disciplines across the University to provide students with an integrated education , Snyder notes , so that students graduating with degrees in the performing arts and humanities will be well prepared to work in real-world environments alongside scientists and engineers .
Another effort to increase enrollment focuses on strengthening relationships with target high schools in the area , including Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville . “ This school is our top feeder school university wide ,” says Snyder .