Alumni

Norris Edney III

  • About

    Dr. Norris Edney graduated with a BA in Biological Science with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. He then went on to obtain a Masters in Higher Education/Student Personnel and an EdD in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education. Dr. Edney is the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff at Talladega College.
Ej Edney speaking at a podium.

Alum Spotlight

What is the value of a liberal arts education in today's world?

“My liberal arts background provided transferrable skills in lots of different areas.  I maybe didn’t have the language for it at the time, but I learned to make connections, to take ideas in one area and apply them in another.  I could find linkages and common factors between different complex problems, to approach those problems with the grounding of knowledge across various disciplines or areas. In short, I became a better thinker.

For example, my background in biology and chemistry helps me as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, because I can try things, see what happens, and talk objectively about the results. Sociology and the humanities let me access and digest the frameworks that teach me how the world works, how folks might be experiencing the world we are trying to create.

The liberal arts education equips you with the skills needed in today’s world, gives you an opportunity to make connections, and lets you become responsive to the needs of society as you become more aware.”