News

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of the Provost, academic deans, and Emeriti Faculty Association (EFA) have selected Stephen Hansen, PhD, as the inaugural speaker for the ‘One More Thought…’ lecture series originally scheduled for May 2020.

Due to the pandemic, the event was postponed and will now take place on Thursday, March 24 with a reception at 3:30 p.m. and lecture at 4:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.

“The Emeriti Faculty Association is grateful for the opportunity to host our first ‘One More Thought…’ lecture featuring Dr. Hansen this month after its postponement due to the pandemic in spring 2020,” said Charlotte Johnson, president of the EFA. “He was chosen as the inaugural speaker because of his dedication to the institution both during his career and throughout his retirement.”

Hansen will discuss how he tried to proceed in good faith based upon some of the humorous, unusual and unexpected lessons learned from his colleagues during the lecture: “On Proceeding in Good Faith: Lessons Learned from the Mixed-up Files and Curious Career of a Turn of the Century Academic.”

“I have always found proceeding in good faith a good way to live life,” Hansen said. “We meet all kinds of unfair and irrational occurrences in our careers and lives. Regardless, I have learned that the best way of navigating one’s way was by ‘proceeding in good faith.’”

Hansen and his wife, Julie, have been part of the SIUE community since 1984. During his tenure at the University, Hansen served in multiple roles, including history professor in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), dean of the SIUE Graduate School, interim CAS dean and interim chancellor. He initially retired in July 2012, but has remained involved with the University, attending engagements and organizing events among the emeriti faculty.

The provost, academic deans and the EFA created the ‘One More Thought …’ lecture series to foster a sense of community among SIUE’s faculty, staff and students. The series honors individuals who have devoted much of their careers to SIUE at the same time as providing inspiration for faculty, staff and students to participate in building the tradition of excellent teacher-scholars. The lecture’s guiding principle is that a senior faculty member could impart their thoughts, advice, and insights about academic life to faculty, staff, students and alumni.

This event is part of the Arts & Issues series and is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved here.

Photo: Stephen Hansen, PhD, featured speaker for the “One More Thought …” lecture series.