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Writing in the final days leading up to the 2012 presidential election, I am struck both by the importance of higher education to the presidential contest and the deep engagement of our College faculty and students with the election. As our nation debates its future, it is no surprise the future of higher education has become a key issue. Our future depends on increasing access to college; affordability of a college education and the availability of student loans are thus essential. Funding for research is equally essential.

The Lexington Herald-Leader recently ran an advertising supplement that purported to list ten things college professors wanted incoming freshmen to know.  I didn't necessarily agree with all ten, but one piece of advice offered by a UK chemist matched almost word for word the answer I give to students who ask: "How much work should I expect to put into your course if I want a good grade?"

I have never been good at following advice, especially when it comes to looking after my own interests.  Early in my graduate-school training, a well-meaning professor pulled me aside and said: “Steve, you have a lot of promise, but I’ve been watching you and you seem to enjoy working with undergraduates too much.  If you’re going to survive in a university setting, then when it comes to your teaching obligations, you’ll need to learn how to shirk.”  I was horrified!  Spreading knowledge was the main reason I cared about beco

Sitting in a lecture hall with 100-150 other psychology students isn't quite the definition of exciting. If you're an undergraduate student considering graduate school, getting out of the classroom and into the field of research is extremely beneficial to both your resume and your knowledge in psych. I am in my 3rd semeser as a 395 under the direction of Dr. Ellen Usher. It's one thing to learn about Albert Bandura and self-efficacy through a textbook and powerpoint presentations.