FORT WORTH _ Texas Wesleyan University President Frederick G. Slabach outlined campus goals that incorporate a global approach to educate critical thinkers for the world stage and a grassroots effort to include the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood in its future revitalization plans.
Slabach presented his vision Friday during an inauguration ceremony that included a keynote address from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright."Our mission is to transform the world by transforming students," Slabach told an audience gathered inside a tent that seated hundreds and was raised especially for the event.Faculty, alumni, community and political leaders celebrated Slabach's inauguration as the private institution's 20th president. U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger, who is TWU alum, and U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, were among political figures present. Many area higher education leaders were also in attendance, including Texas Christian University Chancellor Victor Boschini, Jr. and Tarrant County College District Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley.Slabach and Albright, who worked together at the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, sat next to each other on a stage. They work gray and black ceremonial robes that indicated they earned degrees at Columbia University.Albright praised Slabach's emphasis on critical thinking skills, explaining that such talent is needed at home and abroad to tackle difficult issues - from unrest in the Middle East to terrorism."This emphasis is needed because you don't have to be an expert in foreign policy to know that our globe has suffered a great deal in the past from wishful and simplistic thinkers, not to mention those who failed to think at all," Albright said. "Critical thinking is the opposite of that; it's another name for asking hard questions, keeping an open mind, and relying on facts instead of stereotypes or prejudice as a basis for action."After Albright's speech, Slabach participated in a ceremonial investiture and confirmation of his post, which he has held for a year. Slabach, whose parents stressed the need for education, said he wants to prepare students to be critical thinkers who can use analytical reasoning. His plans are to capitalize on TWU's small classroom and close teacher to student relationships to tomorrow's thinkers using writing and oral skills across disciplines. Slabach also wants to make graduate school accessible to students juggling work and families.Slabach said the university is currently undergoing a facilities master planning process that looks at future needs and redevelopment for the campus. Slabach said they want to tie into a city vision to revive that area, which has been designated an urban village. TWU owns property on Rosedale and other parcels of land nearby and wants to figure out how to develop those with the university and neighborhood needs in mind.Slabach said possibilities include mixed use development that combines office, housing and retail. The university currently has housing available for about 485 students. More detailed plans will be on the table when TWU approves the plan in April or May.Diane Smith, 817-390-7675Twitter: @dianestarHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
