Two faculty members from the geography department — Assistant Professors Tim Baird and Bob Oliver — were among the eight selected as 2015 Pathways Faculty Scholars, a role that was initiated last year and is a vital part of the university’s initiative to reinvent its general education curriculum. Over a two-year term, the scholars will be charged with designing and implementing pilot courses to meet the upcoming Pathways to General Education curriculum requirements. Some will redesign existing courses, while others will create entirely new courses.

“The Pathways to General Education team selected scholars based on their goals for the position, their content areas, and their reputation for prior teaching innovation and excellence,” said Stephen Biscotte, coordinator for General Education.

Those named as Pathways Scholars last year will position themselves as mentors and co-creators with this year’s scholars. Both sets of scholars will meet with the Office of Undergraduate Education team and provide feedback and guidance during their term regarding the newly approved general education curriculum and the development of its implementation plan.