Jeremy Webster is a self-described geek, director of studies for English in the Honors Tutorial College and one of two candidates for dean of the college.
Webster spoke to about 20 people at a forum Monday in Baker 231 about his three goals for the honors college - preserving academic excellence, advocating for students and increasing collaboration across the university.
The main job for our dean is to advocate for our students
Webster said.
Advocating for students includes reminding Ohio University about the importance of HTC and increasing funding through scholarships and stipends.
In my opinion the college sells itself said Webster, who admitted he has no fundraising experience.
By devoting more fundraising money to scholarships for minority students, Webster said he believes diversity in the honors college will increase, preserving academic excellence.
The key is going to be (more competitive) scholarships
said Webster, adding that OU's current minority scholarships cannot compete with other universities.
HTC's freshman class this year included no African American or Hispanic students, according to the Office of Institutional Research.
Webster also said a comprehensive review and assessment of the college's strengths and weaknesses during the dean's first year would allow the honors college to create a list of academic opportunities for future students.
Webster said he hopes to increase the college's statewide prominence through collaboration with Ohio guidance counselors and Advanced Placement teachers to draw more students
to OU.
Increasing collaboration would also include making research assistantships a year-round opportunity, holding faculty lectures or roundtables, starting an online undergraduate research journal and developing interdisciplinary programs within the college, such as women's and gender studies.
During his time at OU, Webster has served as secretary of Faculty Senate, on the Quarters to Semesters Transition team and the University Curriculum Council, among others. He taught at OU for three years as an associate professor of 18th-century British literature before becoming the English Department's director of studies in 2008.
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Caitlin Bowling
