By Megan Zirkle '06
Beginning July 1, students, faculty and staff will see a new face on campus.
His name is Dr. Timothy O'Rourke, and he is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College. Dr. O'Rourke replaces Dr. Joyce Howell, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, who took over after Dr. Stephen Mansfield stepped down to become the College's Director of Archives.
Originally from Tyrone, Pa., Dr. O'Rourke earned his B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970 with Phi Beta Kappa honors, and went on to get an M.A. in 1973 and his Ph.D. in Political Science in 1977, both from Duke University. Dr. O'Rourke comes to Virginia Wesleyan from the Fulton School of Liberal Arts at Salisbury University where he's served as Dean since 2002. He served as the professor and head of the Department of Political Science at Clemson University from 1992-1995 and then taught as Teresa M. Fischer Professor in Citizenship Education, the University of Missouri from 1995-2002.
Dr. O'Rourke made time this week for a brief interview to help us get to know him, his philosophy about higher education and the liberal arts, and why he chose Virginia Wesleyan College.
You were previously the Dean of Fulton School of Liberal Arts at Salisbury University. Why did you choose to come to Virginia Wesleyan College?
"I chose Virginia Wesleyan because it's a small, high quality liberal arts school that wants to be great. I generally believe that smaller is better because of the opportunity it creates for students to interact with faculty. Secondly, it creates the opportunity for students to become involved in student life outside of the classroom."
"I also lived in Virginia for 14 years (Charlottesville) and I'm happy to return. In addition, I've got two grandchildren in Richmond, Va."
What attracted you to Virginia Wesleyan College?
"Every institution has a singular and compelling strategic plan. Virginia Wesleyan's is great. It's clear on what it's trying to do."
What do you like about Virginia Wesleyan’s strategic plan?
"I think Phi Beta Kappa speaks to the great liberal arts tradition which is having students study across the disciplines to become renaissance citizens and preparing them for everything. Phi Beta Kappa also sets expectations in the liberal arts. A strong grounding in the liberal arts is preparation for a good ethical life and preparation for citizenship. We're training students to not just take part in society, but to lead it."
What are your feelings about working to achieve Phi Beta Kappa?
"I'm very much in support of Phi Beta Kappa and the chance to work on that and achieve it is exciting for me."
You were a political science professor for many years. How does that help you in fulfilling your responsibilities as a Vice President?
"I think a Dean and Vice President is concerned primarily with the quality of teaching and the learning environment at the institution. The job is to support the faculty and make sure the students are getting the best education. In addition, the teaching experience I have is central to what I do."
"While I was the Dean at Salisbury, I also taught political science. It was a good way to get to know the students, see what areas we needed to improve and plus, it's just fun. I hope to teach here."
What type of learning do you feel students should be getting outside of the classroom?
"Study, of course. I think all students should be involved in athletics of some type, whether collegiate or intramural. They should be involved in the arts – if not as a performer than as a partaker; and develop a taste for art. Students should engage in the civic life of campus and the larger community such as politics, private associations, church, etc…I see this learning as training for leadership."
As Vice President of Academic Affairs, what are some of your goals or hopes for Virginia Wesleyan?
"I would like to build a connection between students and the community such as civic organizations and the governmental bodies."
What are some of the challenges of colleges and universities?
"I think the principle challenge an institution faces is to decide what it wants to be. Achieving your dreams is a matter of will, not money. If you don’t have a clear vision and you lack the will, it doesn't matter how much money you have, you won't be able to do what you want to do."
What will you miss this most about Salisbury University?
"I'll miss the faculty and staff in the school of liberal arts. They were very bright, collegial and strongly committed to the institution. I knew every one of them."
How are you feeling about the transition?
"I'm really happy to be here. The move has been intense, but I'm really excited nonetheless."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I'm a runner. I usually run about four to five times a week. I'm also a folk musician and play the guitar and banjo."
"And I watch a lot of baseball, I confess."
Dr. O' Rourke is married and has five children.
The Virginia Wesleyan community welcomes Dr. O’Rourke to the College and wishes him a successful semester.