The fourth candidate forum for the executive vice president and provost position featured Bernard Mair, who serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Science at Howard University.
Mair answered questions from students, faculty and staff Friday afternoon in Walter Hall. Those attending asked about funding for various programs, diversity on campus and freedom of expression.
Mair received his bachelors and masters degrees in mathematics from the University of the West Indies and his doctorate degree in mathematics from McGill University. Before serving in his current position at Howard University, Mair was the associate provost for undergraduate affairs at the University of Florida.
While talking to the audience, he emphasized the return on investment education has on students. Mair shared statistics on how bachelor degrees impact individuals.
Bachelor degree holders make more money, live longer and vote more than those without postsecondary degrees, Mair said. But government still may not always appreciate the value of public higher education.
“Ohio University is well positioned to make a mark on Ohio and the nation,” he said.
He said if he was to join OU’s administration he would want to embody the tenets of diversity, inclusivity, fairness, openness and excellence in order to improve the university. Throughout the forum, Mair spoke about the importance of diversity and making OU a welcoming environment.
Freedom of expression came up during the forum, as it has to other candidates in the past. Mair said he supports expression, as long as it is lawful and doesn’t harm people.
“(Expression is) very important, especially in an educational institution,” he said.
Mair also said there should be certain designated spaces on campus where people can share their views. He said when he worked at the University of Florida, the school had two designated spaces on campus.
When some faculty asked him about his thoughts on foreign languages and programs in the humanities, he said he supported those programs. He added that trying to expand an international presence at a university and cut back on foreign language offerings is “an inconsistent set of philosophies to hold.”
Mair was also asked about the training professors receive to teach courses. He said professors should use the online platform, even in physical classes, and there should be a stronger emphasis on discussion, collaboration and problem solving during classes, as opposed to note taking.
