In the Dec. 2 State Journal article Rothman: Liberal arts safe, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman walks back parts of an email he had sent to chancellors that suggested shifting away from liberal arts programs.

I am pleased that Rothman now says he supports the liberal arts, but I wish he had gone further. I wish he would use his position to publicly advocate for liberal education.

Not long ago, system President Kevin Reilly did just that. Under his leadership, the system accomplished at least three significant things: a system-wide liberal education initiative, an annual student essay competition on topics related to liberal education, and a statewide conference (titled Only Connect) that explored the implementation of liberal education pedagogy.

For starters, I wish Rothman would use his bully pulpit to correct a few common misconceptions:

The word "liberal" has nothing to do with its political meaning. It comes from the Latin liber, meaning to free. Political conservatives can (and should) support liberal education. Also, a liberal education is actually a practical education.

Beyond its personal benefits, which are many, liberal education aims to form good citizens who can think critically.

See more here:

Liberal education is vital to state's universities -- George Savage - Madison.com