As Pennsylvania’s land-grant university, Penn State’s mission encompasses three core priorities: teaching, research, and service. Here at Penn State Berks, we stress the outstanding quality of teaching and learning at the college, made possible by our talented faculty who are dedicated to student success, and we also encourage and expect faculty engagement in research and service as well.
On occasion, questions are raised about the role and importance of research and scholarship at an undergraduate college such as Penn State Berks. Just what is the relationship between teaching and research? Must those two priorities compete with one another, or are there important ways in which they can complement?
My response to these questions is that indeed both are important for the primary reason that we are a learning community that is framed around the core value of curiosity. And as you will discover in this issue of our Research magazine, curiosity is alive and thriving at Penn State Berks!
Take a close look at the range of questions that drive the curiosity of students, faculty, and staff who are highlighted here. From Professor Bob Forrey’s research on the origins of the Universe, to Professor Edwin Murillo’s study of Existentialism in Latin American thought, there is richness and depth to the questions that are being asked and explored. Then add in Dr. Bert Eardly’s study of the evolution of rhizobia and Professor Ken Fifer’s cross-disciplinary exploration of the connections between architecture and poetry, and one begins to get a sense of the exciting questions that our colleagues are raising and exploring. Curiosity is indeed alive at Penn State Berks. Explore as well the articles that highlight collaborations between the college and our corporate, business, and school partners that are representative of the exceptional service which our faculty, staff, and students provide to the community.
Dr. R. Keith Hillkirk
Chancellor
Penn State Berks