BHSEC prides itself on its unique college-level curriculum and constantly looks to build a stronger connection with Bard College to maximize the authenticity of its program. This is precisely what one of our new staff members, Dean Tabitha Ewing, is here to do. While many BHSEC students have heard the name Dean Ewing, few know the importance of her new role.
Ewing grew up in Reston, Virginia and attended a large high school that was very strong on discipline. While the students at her high school had good relationships with their teachers, Ewing prefers an atmosphere that is a bit looser and less restrictive. In high school, Dean Ewing’s favorite subject was chemistry, but her excitement in the subject faded in college. During her time as a college student at Bard, Ewing developed a passion for art history and literature, and was able to combine these two subjects with a major in cultural history. In her free time, of which she says she has little, Dean Ewing likes to travel and read. Her favorite book is Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon and her favorite place to travel to is France. Ewing writes about French history and is currently working on two book projects.
Before coming to BHSEC, Ewing was a French history professor at Bard College. Since arriving here in September, she continues to seek ways to build stronger connections between BHSEC, Bard College, and other Bard affiliates such as Simon’s Rock. While she now is a full-time dean at BHSEC, she has kept her position at Bard College, teaching one class there as well. She also teaches once a year at the Bard Prison Initiative and hopes to one day teach a class at Simon’s Rock. One of the most important aspects of her job is hearing from students and faculty about their goals for BHSEC, and then communicating these goals to Bard College in an effort to make them a reality.
In her three months here, Dean Ewing has noticed similarities between the attitudes at BHSEC and those at Bard. One of the most prominent, in her opinion, is the type of clubs and extracurricular activities that the students at BHSEC engage in, many of which promote student activism and global awareness. Students at Bard College, she said, have many of the same passions. Ewing, however, has also noticed two main difficulties at BHSEC so far. The inconvienient location, which she says is an issue for many students, and the fact that Year I’s and Year II’s are still inclined to call themselves juniors and seniors. While part of her job is to discover what the college credits actually mean, and to strengthen their meaning, she believes that the Early College curriculum is, without a doubt, a true college curriculum.
When asked what she likes about BHSEC so far, Dean Ewing thoughtfully replied that she enjoys the noise that the students make. While many might find the over-amplified discussions in the BHSEC hallways overwhelming, Dean Ewing believes that it speaks to the level of comfort and security that the students have here.
BHSEC is very fortunate to have such a friendly and enthusiastic addition to its staff. We look forward to Dean Ewing’s time as part of our school community.