WESLEY SPRING 2011 - Wesley Magazine - Wesley College

FEATURE | interviewQ&Awith Dr. Patricia DwyerVice President for Academic AffairsBY DORYANN BARNHARDTAfter meeting Dr. Patricia Dwyer, it’s easy to understand why adjectiveslike “engaging” and “intelligent” are used by colleagues to describe her. Inconversation, her demeanor is welcoming, her attention rapt and herspeech articulate. As Wesley’s new vice president for academic affairs,Dwyer brings a new enthusiasm and years of diverse experience to the academicleadership of the College.Since coming to Wesley in summer 2009, Dwyer has already made alasting impact on the College. Stepping in as the chief academic officer at atime when Wesley was faced with accreditation concerns and an academicoffice in flux, she led the College to a successful reaccreditation by theMiddle States Commission on Higher Education in 2010.To be sure, no small part of Dwyer’s success lies in her ability to leadeffectively. President Bill Johnston credits much of the College’s recentreaffirmation by Middles States to her management style and leadershipabilities. “She is very inclusive,” he said. “She doesn’t just hand downedicts or operate in a vacuum.”The faculty also appreciates Dwyer’s even-handed approach. Dr. JeffreyMask, professor of religion, philosophy and American studies, has workedwith his fair share of chief academic officers: by his count a dozen in thelast two decades. Mask believes Dwyer brings much needed professionalismto the post. He describes her as “intelligent, fair, somebody who strivesto do the right thing.” Mask is particularly pleased with her willingness toconsider multiple perspectives. “She listens to all of us,” he said. “She doesa good job at trying to see what’s good for the whole institution.”Recently, Dwyer gave Wesley magazine the opportunity to find out moreabout where she’s been,what she’s learned alongthe way, and her hopesfor the College’s future.“I’m excited to be part ofthis next phase of Wesley’sgrowth and development.”Q. What attracted you to Wesley and whydid you decide to come to this institution?I certainly enjoyed my position at[The College of] Notre Dame [ofMaryland], but I wanted to be in aleadership position in which I couldmake a real difference. When I camefor my interview at Wesley, I was toldabout some of the Middle States challengesand felt that my experience indirecting assessment programs at bothShepherd and Notre Dame could be agood fit. I remember having a wonderfulconversation with the faculty in theCarroll Room on the day I interviewed.I left the College after a long day ofmeetings feeling energized. I thoughtthat was a good sign. When I metPresident Johnston and heard moreabout his vision for Wesley, I felt evenmore confirmed. I’m excited to be partof this next phase of Wesley’s growthand development.Q. You were a high school teacher andan English professor before you becamean administrator. How did your experiencesin the classroom shape your roleand prepare you to be the vice presidentfor academic affairs?That’s a great question. I’ve taughtliterature for most of my life, andinteracting with studentsabout values, historical andpolitical contexts, and the“big questions” has been sorewarding. At times, studentscame into the class, especiallyif the class was part of thegeneral education program, ready todislike reading poetry or fiction. Ioften felt that my purpose in thoseclasses was to awaken a curiosity andinterest about great writers. Believeme, I wasn’t always successful, but Itried to understand where studentswere coming from and what would24 WESLEY COLLEGE :: Spring 2011