With a confident smile, English professor Rebecca Bushnell encouraged students in Logan Hall to work hard, live "in the moment" and pursue their academic interests as far as they desire.
But this was no ordinary class lecture.
Bushnell, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, spoke to undergraduates yesterday about her academic career and leadership role at the University. The discussion, which was billed as the Women in Leadership Series' Freshman Dinner, focused on the insight Bushnell has gained through balancing her numerous academic capacities as scholar, professor and dean with her family life.
Bushnell is admired for her integration of technology in the classroom. For a renaissance-studies class she taught one fall, she helped assemble a Web site where students could view the class syllabus, written assignments and links to relevant artwork.
The year was 1995.
Bushnell's innovative approach is not limited to the classroom. Regarding the challenges she faces daily as a prominent female administrator, Bushnell emphasized the importance of good listening skills. Bushnell added that a clearly articulated plan invites collaboration and told students to "not take yourself too seriously." A student's major, she said, should be "something you like, because you'll spend a lot of time studying it."
That advice was not lost on Wharton and College freshman Anna Weingarten, who appreciated Bushnell's "sincere and honest" conversation with the attendees.
Having served as an academic adviser herself, Bushnell invited freshmen to "be confident and take chances" in their undergraduate classes. Reflecting on her own college experience, Bushnell proudly stated, "It was completely fabulous."
She was "very much herself," said Weingarten, who added that she enjoyed Bushnell's "great humor" and friendly demeanor.
Cara Suvall, a College junior and WILS event organizer, said that Bushnell is a "great role model and female faculty member" who maintains close communication with her students.
Bushnell also addressed student concerns about women in academia, noting the value of hard work and assertiveness. She also expressed pride in knowing that the current Chemistry Department chair at Penn is a woman.
