Woolfolk says ‘feisty’ friend good fit for general education

Flagler hires expert for director of general education spot

By Caroline Young | cyoung1@flagler.edu

Dean of Academic Affairs Alan Woolfolk wants to improve Flagler’s general education program, starting with the creation of a new position, director of general education.

Douglas McFarland, Ph.D., will fill the spot and is responsible for upcoming changes in general education. He will oversee all general education courses an average of about 33 credit hours per student. He’ll also conduct a general education revamp expected by Fall 2010.

Part of the general education overhaul is the development of a new interdisciplinary “keystone” course for freshmen.

The “keystone” course will include elements of English, philosophy and political science fields. The course will also focus heavily on the history and cultural heritage of St. Augustine.

McFarland has developed similar programs for other colleges in the past, most recently at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where he worked closely with Woolfolk.

In addition to his job as director, McFarland will teach and serve on a Faculty Senate committee. He’ll also implement a science lab, an expected requirement for all students in 2010.

Woolfolk is confident in McFarland’s ability to make an impact at Flagler.

“He will take charge of this major like no one has before,” Woolfolk said. “It’s the time for instituting general education reform.”

Woolfolk refers to McFarland as a “renaissance man,” who will bring a lot to the table.

According to Woolfolk, he’ll teach two sections of Latin and Greek, an ancient literature course and a Shakespeare course. McFarland will also help the English department chair develop a new composition course and he’ll work with all department chairs to make sure every general education course is covered.

Describing his co-worker as “engaging” and “perhaps a bit feisty,” Woolfolk knows the faculty and staff will appreciate his sense of humor and experience.