The latest structural changes to DePauw encourage students to seek academic assistance from new faculty, buildings, and programs. With the creation of the new School of Business and Leadership, the framework for the various schools within DePauw has also changed. This includes the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). The renamed school is led by its newly appointed dean, Dr. Bridget Gourley, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Dr. Gourley has been at DePauw since the fall of 1988 and has since taught within the Chemistry/Biochemistry department. Throughout her time, she has served as the Director of the Science Research Fellows program and chair of the Chemistry/Biochemistry department. In the past four years, she has also served as the dean of faculty where she finds the greatest joy in, “supporting faculty in doing their jobs as effectively as possible.” In a recent interview, Dr. Gourley explained her priorities and expectations heading into her cardinal year.
After noting that her training resides in physical chemistry, Dr. Gourley expressed her focus on “a willingness to be flexible” as she heads into a large role. She explained that her previous experience has allowed her to recognize that at different moments, different areas will need more time and attention. There is no specific formula, but a diversity of support systems must be used with various departments. As a professor within the science department, she understands that sciences need support within infrastructure, including instrumentation and specimens, while the humanities need different help through technology or collaborative resources.
The new three-school model leads DePauw to focus on helping everyone recognize the many great opportunities that DePauw has to offer. Dr. Gourley explained, "Often people don't understand that liberal arts is a philosophy regarding the approach to education, and all disciplines, including the sciences, can be studied at a liberal arts institution." In her eyes, all disciplines are important, humanities, arts, physical and social sciences.
Dr. Gourley’s biggest joy in high-ranking positions such as her role in the CLAS is empowering and inspiring all faculty, thus assisting students through their teaching and pursuits. She intends to use her platform to convey that the new three-school model is a cohesive structure for each discipline and major in each department that will set up students and faculty for the better.