Joining the Frey: The Battle for the Liberal Arts

07/08/2025 52 min
Joining the Frey: The Battle for the Liberal Arts

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Episode Synopsis

Chris is joined by Jennifer Frey, professor of philosophy in the department of philosophy & religion at The University of Tulsa, and former Dean of the Honors College at TU. They discuss the university’s recent decision to eliminate her position as dean and restructure the Honors College, the power dynamics at play within university governance, and the value of liberal education more broadly. ·         Jennifer’s X thread announcing her departure as Dean·         Jennifer’s New York Times essay recounting her experience·         Lee Trepanier’s response to Jennifer’s essay·         Stanley Fish’s essay in The Lamp, and Jennifer’s response to it Time stamps:1:12           Jennifer’s introduction and professional background4:52           Jennifer’s success with the University of Tulsa’s Honors College20:11         Why TU’s administration killed the Honors College25:24         Structural shortcomings of university governance35:29         Liberal education and the datafication of the university43:07         Higher education as the pursuit of wisdom Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.