A Message from the Provost
Dr. Michael Selmon is a professor of English and has been at Alma College since 1991. He became the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs during the 2004-05 academic year.
Selmon received a B.A. in religion and mathematics and an M.S. in mathematics from Miami University before going on to earn M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English literature from the University of Maryland. His research centers in modern drama, including publications on playwrights like Caryl Churchill and Eugene O'Neill.
Welcome to Alma. Here we take pride in our ability to offer personal attention and promote high achievement. We encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities and challenges we provide.
Many students think first of majors; Alma offers many options. Some are highly specified, with numerous prerequisites and senior-year expectations of extensive technical work. Others are more flexible. In these programs students work closely with their advisors to determine the course of study most suited to their interests and goals. Some use the Program of Emphasis option to design a major of their own. Others take advantage of Alma’s pre-professional programs to prepare for graduate studies in fields like medicine and law.
We know, though, that students often change interests during their college years. At Alma, we view such change as a sign of growth. Students who work closely with their advisors often find that they can change majors, or add a second major or minor, without delaying graduation.
Our deep commitment to broad liberal arts education is crucial here. Alma’s general education requirements ask our students to take courses from multiple disciplines in the arts, sciences, and humanities. We believe that a truly rich life—a life of personal accomplishment and civic engagement—requires ongoing education. The range of subjects and approaches you encounter in your general education work will prepare you well for this lifelong challenge. Indeed, for some students this coursework is truly life-changing, for their general education coursework leads to life-long passions.
Whatever subject you choose to study, you will have multiple elective choices. Here liberal arts learning truly comes to life. Take advantage of these choices and sign up for a traveling spring term class to Ecuador or China. Join ensembles in music, theater, or dance, or become part of our award-winning Model UN and SIFE competitive teams. Make a difference in today’s world through the many curricular and co-curricular opportunities sponsored by the Center for Responsible Leadership and our Service Learning office. Take a semester overseas at one of nearly two dozen affiliated sites.
Or just take the time to take a course out of interest alone.
Academics, in short, are at the heart of Alma. Here you will find a community committed to exploration and enrichment. We look forward to working with you.
Michael Selmon,
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Professor of English