Mark Putnam | 14 Comments | Posted: November 12, 2012
Students will redefine our political culture. They will challenge each other on the issues and yet maintain the quality of relationships that reinforce a healthy community.
Mark Putnam | 10 Comments | Posted: October 8, 2012
What we do as a residential liberal arts college is inherently expensive. Our aim is to provide the time and space necessary for well-prepared students and well-prepared faculty to engage in a shared experience of teaching and learning…Colleges and universities are not passing the full cost of operations on to students and families, nor have they ever done so. We simply can’t. Instead we are constantly refining how we do things and continually seeking the support of generous individuals, corporations and foundations to offset cost increases that cannot be fully supported by price increases.
Mark Putnam | 10 Comments | Posted: July 20, 2012
Failure of colleges was not something that grew from macroeconomic and demographic patterns, but from interpretations and responses that were found on the micro scale. Institutions fail for a combination of three reasons: money, mismanagement and mattering.
Mark Putnam | 13 Comments | Posted: November 2, 2011
One of the areas I have been most fascinated with is language. My years of studying German and Greek are a great distance in the rearview mirror, and useful only in remembering a few words, phrases and ideas. Yet I am fascinated with the ways in which language is reshaping the way we experience the world today. As isolation continues to fade with technology, telecommunication and social networking, it’s easy to assume the need for language ability also is fading.
Mark Putnam | 13 Comments | Posted: October 13, 2011
With increasing regularity, we are made aware of scandals in intercollegiate athletics. As the regulations evolve with greater specificity and clearer interpretation, the creativity of those seeking an advantage keeps pace. It’s disappointing. We wonder how we ever got to this point. Where are the days when we engaged in intercollegiate competition for its wholesome appeal and benefits to students? Shouldn’t we return to our purer roots in the true spirit of athletic competition?
Mark Putnam | 12 Comments | Posted: September 22, 2011
I have become increasingly conscious that in a few short years children like Steven and his cousins will gradually move from crawling under seats to occupying seats of influence and authority. The desire to restrain them at a young age is understandable, but perhaps misguided. Conforming to our expectations may not be the right path. Maybe we need to let kids be kids.
Mark Putnam | 2 Comments | Posted: August 29, 2011
This motivates me to concentrate more on the world our students will encounter in the future and focus less on the world they are coming from today. I may live to see the year 2050, at which time I will be 90 years of age. Our 20-year-old students, however, will be at the peak of their leadership as family members, citizens and professionals. This is a global society I can only imagine, but one they will be responsible to lead at every level.
Mark Putnam | 27 Comments | Posted: July 19, 2011
It’s not that simple.
We’re looking for easy explanations these days, but it’s not working. If our nation could collectively spend the same amount of time working seriously on societal reform, as we devoted to the Casey Anthony trial, we could accomplish more than we think possible.
I'm the lucky individual who carries the title, 21st president of Central College in Pella, Iowa. My wife Tammy and I have two beautiful daughters, Emma and Greta. Passionate about higher education and the issues facing it and the world today, I hope to invoke an engaging conversation with all who are ready to dig in, make a difference and build for the future. Share your thoughts. I'm listening and interested.
