The STAR Program: Transformational Thinking for Community and Career

09/27/2023

"Employers highly value what humanities majors learn in college, focus groups and surveys show. More than nine out of 10 say a job candidate’s capacity for thinking and communicating clearly and solving complex problems is more important than his or her major, according to an AAC&U poll. More than three-quarters favor applicants who understand other cultures. "

A Canadian business program is making literature, philosophy, and the arts part of the curriculum in hopes of enhancing both fields of study—and students’ careers—in the process.

09/26/2023

Last weekend the STAR Program was delighted to celebrate with the NKU Campus Community and to showcase the exciting work of faculty who are the heart and soul of the STAR program. We can't wait to watch the program grow with courses in history, religious studies, anthropology, and electronic media and broadcasting next semester!

09/15/2023

Studying the humanities provides business majors with a critical foundation in communication, writing, and research skills, which are vital to the success of any business. Additionally, the study of humanities gives business majors a greater understanding of the cultural, social, and historical context of the industries in which they will be working. This knowledge can help them make better decisions, foster more meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues, and provide a more complete perspective on the world.

09/14/2023

Since 1912 (!) people have been lamenting students' desires for practical skills that prepare them for real-world careers. What if students are (and were) on to something about what education should do?

The Atlantic covers news, politics, culture, technology, health, and more, through its articles, podcasts, videos, and flagship magazine.

09/13/2023

A specter is haunting the landscape—the specter of generative AI. First came fears that student cheating would explode, plus that artists and actors would be unemployed. Then the ante was upped: So…

09/06/2023

"“For the vast majority of jobs, employers don’t care what you major in,” Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, a job platform for early talent and Gen Z, tells CNBC Make It. ”[Employers] care about your skills, your ability to communicate, your ability to critically think and problem solve, and they’re usually willing to train you on a lot of the specifics.”

Critical thinking, creative problem solving, and effective communication are the foundation that STAR courses and the Transformational Thinking for Community and Career provide for students across majors at NKU.

Even if you want to earn a high salary, there are more important moves to make than choosing the "right" major.

09/06/2023

09/06/2023

The Teagle Foundation has posted its annual report.

08/14/2023

Word about STAR is spreading! Check out this slide from today's fall convocation!

08/11/2023

Over the past two days, faculty from the departments of Anthropology, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, English, NKU's First Year Experience Office, History, Organizational Leadership, Steely Library, and World Languages and Literatures joined together to kick off the academic year and to think deeply about the power of texts to transform us, the goals of general education, how to create a common intellectual experience for students on the NKU campus, and the nuts and bolts of teaching. We were gratified to hear presentations from Provost Matt Cecil, Vice President for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Abdou Ndoye, Senior Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Bethany Bowling, Chief Diversity Officer Darryl Peal, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director Bruce E. Mitchell II, but most of the two days was spent sharing ideas, having conversations, and working together to envision the future of the STAR Program. It's going to be a great 2023-2024!

07/26/2023

"Business schools should be making a concerted effort to prepare graduates who are ready for the working world. In today’s business climate, that means identifying ways to harness the liberal arts to strengthen skills that are important to business leaders."

Pairing liberal arts and business courses can better prepare students for a workforce that requires skills often seen as lacking in business graduates.

07/24/2023

"The argument against replacing the liberal-arts tradition with a narrow vocationalism is usually phrased in purely humanistic terms — the importance of educating the whole person, the need for a broadly informed citizenry, and so on. Often overlooked is that for STEM majors, as much as for other future professionals, a broad background in the humanities is likely to give them a tremendous advantage in their career."

It’s often argued that studying the liberal arts will enrich the life of the mind. For STEM majors, it can also give them a practical advantage in their careers.