Liberal Arts Education in the 21st Century
Never before has the value of a traditional liberal arts education in today’s society been more subject to debate. Some critics question its role in the digital economy, particularly compared to the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math. And, yet, there are those who champion that a good education includes soft as well as hard competencies. In truth, while business and technical skills can get graduates in the door, the capacity to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, and to appreciate the social influences of the work environment can play an equal, if not greater, role in achieving success. – Michael Victor, J.D., LL.D.
Assuming office on Aug. 1, 2015, Dr. Victor is the 12th president of Mercyhurst University. President Victor served as dean of Mercyhurst’s Walker School of Business from 2002 to
2006 before accepting the presidency of Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. Besides his impact on higher education during the past 14 years, he is widely respected as a civic
and business leader, attorney and entrepreneur. He holds a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Saint Vincent College and a juris doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. He began his professional career as an attorney in the corporate law department of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton in Erie. From 1988 to 2000, he was CEO of Pyramid Industries in Erie, and then embraced a challenging and rewarding career in higher education.
