This semester, CAS faculty members made their way into Boston University residence halls and student centers to present their research as part of the University’s award-winning Rhett Talks program, a Ted Talks-style presentation that “explores the greater intellectual breadth that is found across BU’s many schools and colleges.”
The Rhett Talks program is run by the University’s Faculty-in-Residence program and aims to allow faculty members of all levels to experience student life in a new way. You can check out videos of every Rhett Talk on the program’s website.
Rhett Talks is an extension of the Faculty-in-Residence program’s goal of providing students with a residential experience that is interdisciplinary, innovative, and meaningful. It has been an extremely successful program, which is apparent by the recognition faculty members have received from students for their impact. Most notably, Professor of Religion Jennifer Knust and Professor of Mathematics & Statistics Diane Meuser received Outstanding Service Awards for their contributions to the program.
Knust was recognized for her work as a Faculty-in-Residence in Warren Towers, where she offered career and academic advice to students. Her weekly apartment open hours were always packed and lively; international students and residents throughout the building often shared their triumphs and struggles with her. Knust wrote many letters of recommendations for students and has maintained strong relationships with those with whom she worked. She was a particularly comforting and compassionate presence following the passing of Jai Menon, a CAS student and Warren Towers resident. In all, BU Residence Life recognized Knust because she was, in one student’s words, “an amazing Faculty-in-Residence and a beautiful person.”
Meuser’s recognition was particularly special, as the 2015/16 academic year was the last of her 35 years of work as a Faculty-in-Residence on BU’s West Campus. In her time as a Faculty-in-Residence, Meuser quickly earned a reputation with residents for her homemade ice cream events, math help sessions, and annual Mt. Monadnock hikes. She also served for a number of years on the University Council Committee on Student Life & Policies, helping craft the current guest policy in residences—replacing a fairly restrictive policy that had been in place for nearly 20 years—and helping craft the University’s current interpretation of FERPA. Her presence on West Campus will definitely be missed by students and staff.
Other Rhett Talks presenters from CAS included Nancy Ammerman (sociology), Charles Change (linguistics), Dino Christenson (political science), Raymond Fisman (economics), Mark Grinstaff (chemistry), Roy Grundmann (cinema & media studies), Saida Grundy (African American studies and sociology), Nazli Kibria (sociology), Doug Kriner (political science), Jim Johnson (history), and Jay Samons (classical studies).