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TCU JOHN V. ROACH HONORS COLLEGE
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Can you tell us a bit about your
philosophy on Honors?
I’m a fan of the
“apprenticeship model” of learning, which
relies on one-on-one interactions between
faculty and student. Honors employs small
class sizes and abundant access to faculty
in all aspects of learning. Teaching is based
on the practice of being a “guide on the
side” and not a “sage on the stage.” It’s about
serving as a facilitator for students as they
make their own discoveries. I believe in
giving students flexibility to learn in their
own styles, confronting them with questions
that may not have answers, and deliberately
placing them in “uncomfortable” scenarios
that require them to dig deep to find
the intersections of ideas and think
innovatively.
We encourage students to not accept
being “fed” information, but rather, to
be discerning consumers of knowledge,
always asking, “Why?” They should stretch
themselves, wrestle with difficult issues
and practice reflection. The Honors College
provides an incubator for interdisciplinary
learning and teaching—bringing together
disparate ideas, methods and inquiries
to find common ground and meaning.
Students can experiment with their own
ideas, try on new perspectives and challenge
their own beliefs—all in a safe environment
with other high-achieving students and
exemplary faculty.
What attracted you to TCU?
During
my 30+ years as a scientist and researcher,
I’ve had the opportunity to work with many
undergraduate students. I’ve been amazed
by their curiosity, drive and intellect, and
I felt privileged to have the opportunity to
work alongside them. In 2016, I received a
call asking me to consider applying for the
dean position. That prospect seemed very
exciting, since it was a chance to create
abundant opportunities for high-achieving
students, to help grow a college and to
contribute to an entire campus. It was one
of the best decisions of my life!
What makes a student successful
in Honors programs?
Honors students
are so much more than just “smart.” They
are curious, self-motivated and have a
passion for learning. They’re willing to be
accountable for their own education
and that of their peers. They’re
also collaborative, introspective
and respectful people who are
willing to learn from others. I
think one of the most common
traits of a successful Honors
student is an unflappable
tenacity, or “grit.” They don’t
take no for answer, and
to quote one of my idols,
physicist Richard Feynman,
they’re insatiably hooked on
“the pleasure of finding
things out.”
What makes
TCU’s John V.
Roach Honors
College stand
out from
programs
at other
universities?
It stands
out because
TCU stands
out. This
is a “people place.” That feeling was
palpable when I first visited campus and
has remained true in the time I’ve been a
Horned Frog. So it’s no surprise the Honors
College is also characterized by this core
principle of “people first,” which exists at all
levels—from students to staff to faculty. The
norm is to meet each student where they
are and help them grow from there. TCU
Honors is not a “cookie cutter” operation—
everyone’s unique qualities are cherished.
What is your leadership style?
Collaborative. I like lateral
leadership where all members
of the team are valued for
their contributions. I love
the statement by Pierre Levy
about collective intelligence
that states, “No one knows
everything, but everyone
knows something.” It
reminds us that everyone
has something to teach us
if we allow them and are
constantly open to new ideas
and methods.
What qualities
do you look for
in your faculty?
Insatiable curiosity.
People who possess
this attribute drive
themselves toward
success through
passion and tenacity.
And, of course, they
have to be plain-old
nice to fit in with Team
Honors!
Q
A
&
Dr.Diane Snow
Runner. Neuroscientist. Bookworm. Foodie. Honors Dean.