Mount Mercy forum explores higher education and the common good

Mount Mercy University will offer a unique faculty forum on higher education as Professor of Religious Studies Charlotte Martin, Ph.D., presents “University Education as Trojan Horse for the Common Good.” The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held Thursday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. in Flaherty Community Room in Basile Hall.

In her lecture, Martin will discuss how today's society expects colleges and universities to only produce graduates specializing in a career field, and highlights how institutions of higher education can also promote a culture of thoughtfulness and spirit. Martin will help illustrate how colleges can lead graduates to know and cherish the lively intellectual habits that help them realize their best human possibilities while discerning the common good as rightfully governing even professional considerations. An intellect that has been cultivated and refined through a strong learning community has a special facility for unlocking the fullness of the potential in us all.

Martin presented the topic and highlighted Cardinal John Henry Newman's theories on the role of higher education during the 2011 National Newman Conference. Newman envisioned the role of higher education to place high importance on thoughtfulness and spirit in addition to a professional education, believing education created religious, cultural and moral growth for a learner.

Listed in “Who's Who in College Teachers,” Martin has taught at Mount Mercy since 1991. She holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, where she focused on systematic theology. In 2002 she published Dynamics of Hope: Eternal Life and Daily Christian Living. She is also a member of numerous affiliations, including Workers for Peace Iowa, Linn County Green Party, St. Pius X Church Adult Education Planning Committee, and the archdiocesan Restorative Justice Education committee.

###