An at-a-glance News Brief:

September 19, 2014­­­­­­­­­—Marquette announces plans for the Center for Advancement of the Humanities, which will “establish the university as the leading humanities institution in the Midwest,” (Dorrington, 2014).

May 29, 2015—Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee voted to eliminate tenure for state schools, the next step in the proposed budget cut to the Wisconsin school system.

A Personal Introduction:

I still proudly (or stupidly) introduce myself as an English major, which is rooted in my strong (or stupid) 'do what you love' mindset. I enjoy what I’m doing in school, and I truly believe in its worth, but when people ask me what I plan to do with this, I add that I’m also a public relations major.

A Problem:

I unconsciously respond in this way because the “humanities” is something of a dirty word. While it was once a feasible option, students are now taught to follow the highest paid, most practical professions such as doctor or engineer. The modern world values careers that cycle money: the engineers build the banks and the computer programs, the businessmen circulate the money, and the doctors always have someone to heal. We have the mindset that everything we do must have a monetary outcome. Now that we think this way, it’s harder to justify the importance of the history, theology, philosophy, or (and I say this painfully) the English majors. The worth of a good book or a literary discussion isn’t monetary; it simply is.

And in 2015, that’s a problem.

A Threat:

So, if we don’t see the worth in the humanities, why keep it? Wisconsin is currently debating this question, as there is a major push to change the budget of the Wisconsin school system. Although much is lost in the loud arguments between the two sides, it is clear that the proposition will severely cut the budget of state schools.

And if the schools have to cut something to save money, the first choice will be the easiest: get rid of the humanities.

An Opportunity:

With English departments in question throughout Wisconsin state schools, Marquette University has the perfect opportunity. The Center for Advancement of the Humanities is the school’s attempt to improve its underdeveloped and undervalued humanities department. It also has the potential to make Marquette a desirable location for leading professors and students.

But will it happen? It all depends on how much Marquette commits to this idea. During his inaugural address, President Lovell stated, "I am fully committed to deepening and enriching the study of humanities in the Jesuit tradition,” (Dorrington, 2014). The key here is that as a Jesuit school, Marquette is funded in the traditions of theology and philosophy. To be blunt, the humanities are the reason this school exists.

So, if Marquette University decides that it’s serious about what it claims, this could be the shining light for “the Wisconsin problem.” University of Wisconsin-Madison, which has been deemed as one of the best schools for English, may in fact fall apart due to budget concerns. Marquette, as a private institution, can truly be the school for the humanities, not only in the Midwest but in the country. However, that’s only if we follow those high Jesuit traditions we say we have.

As an English major, I’ll continue to say I’m also a public relations major and hold my breath as I wait for an answer.

An Answer:

We’ll see.