Dean's Corner: “What can I build from this?”
Entrepreneurship often begins with curiosity. It starts with someone wondering, “What can I build from this?” The liberal arts give our students the tools to explore that question in creative and meaningful ways.
In CLA, we see entrepreneurship as more than starting a company. Entrepreneurship is about using knowledge and creativity to solve problems, tell important stories, and strengthen our communities.
Why do liberal arts graduates become successful entrepreneurs? Part of the answer lies in the kind of education our students receive. A liberal arts foundation encourages curiosity and the ability to connect ideas across fields. Our students learn to think critically and, perhaps most importantly, to recognize opportunities where others might see obstacles.
The three alumni featured in this month’s Alma Matters are great examples of that spirit in action. Their work spans genealogy, workplace science, and food storytelling, but each reflects the same strengths cultivated through the liberal arts.
In these stories, you will:
- Discover how Mica Anders (MFA ’09) uses genealogical research to uncover lost family and community histories, helping preserve voices that might otherwise be forgotten.
- Learn how Richard Landers (PhD ’09, psychology) works with organizations to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into hiring and training systems.
- Meet Sarah Peterson (BA ’95, journalism), whose recently-published cookbook pairs cherished recipes with memories and traditions.
Together, these alumni demonstrate how a liberal arts education can spark new ideas and forge unexpected paths. I hope you enjoy their stories.
