In Conversation With
information about the colleges they consider rather not only introduced new science majors but also
than just look at their places in the rankings. On the opened a new science center. So what position do
other hand, we want to provide them with a clearer STEM classes hold at Amherst College or other
understanding of the spirit and values of higher liberal arts colleges?
education in the US.
Xiaofeng: The new science center we launched in
August is a massive USD 250 million project with
Incorporating a humanistic spirit
future-ready research facilities, the largest invest-
into the sciences
ment so far in Amherst’s nearly 200-year history.
This speaks volumes to the effort of Amherst as a
Sabrina: Speaking of liberal arts colleges, there is liberal arts college to empower its staff and 1,800
a widespread misconception that they are only students to provide more research opportunities.
focused on humanities. Amherst has seen a steady
increase in the number of students enrolling in I have a lot of thoughts about the role of sciences
STEM classes in the past 15 years. The college has education in a liberal arts environment and I would
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