Fusing Competence and Character: Celebrating Postmodern Expressions in Higher Education

Abstract

The college and character movement re-imagines the purpose of college, urging higher education to balance knowing and being. In taking this stance, college and character is postmodern in philosophy and practice. It stands in contrast to the modern worldview, which has dominated higher education since at least the end of World War II. In this manuscript we discuss postmodern attributes of the college and character movement, and assert that fusion models are relevant for advancing the movement. Fusion models are fueled by the power of “and.” They fuse seemingly incompatible outcomes, such as making a good living and living a worthwhile life. We offer The Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program at Michigan State University as an example of a postmodern fusion model in higher education.