The School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

In the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating academic environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge. We offer nearly 30 degrees in the arts or sciences from English and Psychology to Chemistry and Politics. Our mission is to empower students to become well-rounded, empathetic, and informed global citizens who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Meet the Dean

What is the grass?

It’s a simple question, one posed by poet Walt Whitman in his American epic “Song of Myself,” and yet, for such a small question, there are a number of different ways to answer. Whether the grass is a strange hieroglyphic whose message is yet to be to be deciphered, a botanical form of life photosynthesizing sunlight into energy, a representation of the inner life of the self, or a link to the whole of creation depends on your perspective, your temperament, your orientation to the world, which might be creative, philosophical, scientific, or spiritual, or you might inhabit multiple perspectives dancing between them over time. 

Like Whitman’s poem, the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Converse University will provide you with a variety of perspectives, a variety of ways of knowing and thinking. Whether you choose to study biology, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, Hispanic Studies, or one of our other disciplines, it will provide you with distinctive and innovative educational experiences as you gain knowledge and develop skillsets to become an engaged, adaptable citizen in an ever-changing and increasingly interconnected world. Our programs will introduce you to different approaches to the questions confronting us in the increasingly complicated landscape of professional and personal opportunity that awaits you. 

Across the Converse School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you’ll find energy and excitement. You’ll work closely with our dedicated and award-winning faculty who bring their scholarly accomplishments and enthusiasm into the classroom and beyond. Whether you hope to pursue internship opportunities, faculty-mentored, independent research, or you long to travel the world to destinations such as Ireland, Germany, Scotland, or New Zealand, the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty are excited to challenge and encourage you along your academic path. Whichever one you choose, you will enjoy small classes and personal relationships with Converse faculty and staff who will help you to unlock your potential. 

On behalf of my colleagues, I am excited to welcome you to our vibrant and supportive campus community. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals, develop your vision, and use your voice to make a difference in the community around you.

Dr. Erin E. Templeton
Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Professor of English