President’s Message Celebrating the Value of the Liberal Arts

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly polarized world, some people are questioning the value of a liberal arts education. In this issue of Agnes Scott The Magazine, we explore the many ways a liberal arts education prepares students for personal and professional success.

A series of articles highlights how Agnes Scott’s focus on interdisciplinary innovation, leadership development, personal development and career exploration enables our students to grow into wellrounded, engaged citizens of the world. Armed with the skills and knowledge a liberal arts education provides, our students emerge ready to claim their place as leaders in today’s global society.

Our alumnae are our best advocates. Should you find yourself in a conversation with someone who does not understand the transformative power of the liberal arts, I encourage you to share the many benefits of your own experience. You can think of this issue as a toolkit that can help you state the case for a liberal arts education.

This issue also includes an article on the recently completed renovation of our beloved Main Hall. I am so grateful to the hundreds of alumnae and other donors who helped us revitalize the college’s most iconic building. If you attended the rededication in October, thank you; if you were not able to make it, I invite you to take a tour of Main the next time you are on campus.

There is also a profile of Jennifer Sciubba ’01, who leads the Population Research Bureau, a nonpartisan research organization focused on improving the health and well-being of people around the world. Jennifer was one of the many accomplished speakers at this year’s Women’s Global Leadership Conference, where she discussed how taking a liberal arts approach has strengthened her work. We set another attendance record, with more than 600 scholars, professionals, thought leaders and members of the campus community coming together to share strategies for ending disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes. You will find a recap of the conference in this issue.

As you read through the magazine, I encourage you to note the ways your liberal arts education shaped you into the person you are today. I am the product of a women’s college and a liberal arts education, and I credit this experience with giving me not just the skills, but also the confidence to explore different paths throughout my career. It has been quite the journey—and I would not have it any other way.

Thank you for traveling down this road with me. I am excited about the direction we are taking, and I look forward to carrying on the liberal arts tradition together.

Warmly,

Leocadia I. Zak President