Michael J. Flynn, Professor and Chair of Linguistics, has been named John E. Sawyer Professor of Liberal Learning.
(The following text is reprinted from the program for Carleton’s 2011 Honors Convocation.)
The John E. Sawyer Professor of Philosophy and Liberal Learning
The John E. Sawyer Professorship was established by former Carleton trustee Francis T. Vincent Jr. in appreciation for the exceptional leadership of Stephen R. Lewis Jr., who was Carleton’s president from 1987-2002. The professorship honors President Lewis’ mentor, the late John E. Sawyer, who as president of Williams College chose Lewis as his provost in 1968. An innovative educator, Sawyer helped change the face of liberal arts education and influenced the leaders of some of the country’s most respected institutions of higher learning. The purpose of the professorship is to honor a faculty member whose skills in mentoring colleagues, whether in teaching, scholarship, or service to the College, reflect the high standards Sawyer set for himself and others.