School of Arts & Humanities Teaches Critical Thinking and Career Skills
What can the study of the humanities provide the students of the 21st century? And, how can the study of the Humanities help students find fulfilling and prosperous careers? Those are a few questions that Dr. Michael Sundblad dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Nashville State is seeking to answer.
By studying subjects like art, music, and literature, students in the School of Arts and Humanities at Nashville State are learning to navigate today’s increasingly complex world.
“Humanities helps people understand,” Sundblad said.
“In our 21st-century knowledge economy, creative and critical thinking are two of the most important skills anybody can have in any job.”
Sundblad and the faculty aim to guide students not only as learners but also to help them gain a greater understanding of the world and their place in it.
“That is something we learn through the study of philosophy, and art, and literature – all fields in the humanities -- students learn to think critically and creatively.”
In addition to their work in the classroom, the School of Arts & Humanities is providing a bridge between future job seekers and employers.
One role the humanities division has taken on is seeking input from community and employment leaders throughout the region. Using that feedback, they can better shape the classroom experience and build on skills that create lifelong learners and lead to high-paying careers.
“Those durable skills of being able to think creatively, to think on one’s feet help
people, to
remain employed and advance in their employment,” Sundblad said.
Through it all, Sundblad says one of his greatest joys in his job leading the School of Arts & Humanities is helping people achieve their goals.
“I get to help faculty be the best educators they can be and help them achieve their goals. I can help students solve problems and help them move through higher education.”
The School of Humanities at Nashville State is dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment that embraces innovation and change while honoring classical areas of study. This blend of tradition and modernity allows students to engage critically with contemporary issues, encouraging a diverse range of perspectives. This commitment to the past and the future equips learners with the skills and insights to navigate and contribute to a complex society.
It is about “Embracing technology and embracing analog to diversify the skillset of the student to be more employable,” Sundblad said.
To learn more about the School of Arts and Humanities, visit it online.
