By: Jennifer Niester
Alma Accents Editor
Ask the new Alma College provost and vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Michael Selmon, about how he went from the field of mathematics to the field of English and he'll tell you about the eloquence of math proofs. Selmon has always been interested in connections, how one area of study leads to insight into another. It's how he has excelled in a liberal arts setting where faculty members are expected not only to be experts in a very specialized niche, but are also expected to be up on current research across their discipline. This has not only helped advance the students he has taught at Alma since 1991, it has brought him new discoveries in his own field of modern drama. Selmon's eyes light up when he discusses, as an example, how learning about linguistics has added a new layer to how he reads plays.
Effective March 1, Selmon is able to make connections in a wider range of subjects as the new chief academic officer. One way he is looking to make connections across the academic disciplines is by facilitating a discussion on a common topic. This fall offers a good opportunity because it is an election year. Plans are underway to address the election and the idea of choice.
"Much of what we try to teach is that there are multiple approaches that can be used to solve a problem," Selmon said. "By approaching a common problem, we are able to work in our discipline and show how our discipline can offer new insight."
New classes, on-campus speakers and co-curricular election activities are just a few ways Selmon plans to help set a direction for the fall. Alma's President Saundra Tracy said she is pleased with the selection of Selmon for provost. "He brings to this position strengths that are imperative for us at this time," she said. "I am eager for change that will, in substantive ways, strengthen our academic mission and community. I am convinced that Dr. Selmon can clearly articulate a direction for the academic sector and help us implement strategies for this change."
Alma Awards:
2003—Outstanding Faculty Award in the Humanities
1995—Lobdell-Emery Teaching Prize
Educational Background:
1988—Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park. English.
1984—M.A., University of Maryland, College Park. English.
1982—M.S., Miami University, Ohio. Mathematics.
1980—A.B., Miami University, Ohio. Summa cum laude. Religion, Mathematics.
Family:
Wife, Sarah Horn; daughters, Hannah, 10, Maggie, 8, Emma, 6
What he has been reading:
Carol Churchill, A Number; Richard Greenberg, Take Me Out; Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses
