As a philosopher, professor Carl Still may very well have pondered the reality of this historian’s words as he agreed to a one-year appointment as interim president of St. Thomas More College (STM) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). Still has a lengthy history with the college both as member of the faculty and senior administrator, so acceptance of this role bore no naiveté as to the responsibility involved.
“We are so pleased that Dr. Still has agreed to step into this position while the Standing Committee continues in the search for STM’s next president,” said Bev Hanson, vice-chair of the STM Board of Governors and chair of the Standing Committee for the Appointment of the President. President Emeritus Terrence Downey oversaw the transition process before his retirement in June.
Well-known and respected at STM and at the U of S, Still joined the philosophy department at STM in 1995 and later served as department head, followed by the role of dean of STM from 2006-2016. Still received his bachelor’s (honours) from the University of South Carolina and his master’s and PhD from the University of Toronto. He teaches and publishes the history of western philosophy.
“My fall classes were scheduled and teaching plans were in place before this opportunity was presented,” said Still. “I instead find myself reacquainting with members of our senior administration and moving forward on identified plans for the year ahead.”
Still said the college is moving forward with a number of initiatives in the 2018/19 academic year.
“We’re continuing full speed ahead in pursuing the goals of our strategic plan: optimizing the student experience, advancing Indigenization within our college community, fostering a culture of discovery, and building a sustainable future. All of these aspirations arise out of our educational mission as a Catholic college and at the same time are well aligned with the strategic directions of the University of Saskatchewan.
“I am both humbled and excited to have this opportunity to lead St. Thomas More College during this time of renewal and growth in the college’s more than 80-year history on campus.”