Davis W. Baird, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Clark University
Baird
With Clark University's former provost David P. Angel taking the college's reins as president, Davis Baird has come on board as the new provost. He's a philosopher of science by training, and he says he's interested in the ways a liberal arts education can be put to practical uses in the real world. In this Q&A, he talks about getting to know the Worcester cultural scene and hiking the area's mountains.
Vital Stats:
Education: Bachelor's degree in mathematics and philosophy, Brandeis University; master's and Ph.D. in philosophy of science, Stanford University
Previous job: Dean of the South Carolina Honors College, University of South Carolina
Start date at new job: Aug. 16
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. Very well I would say. Everyone has been enormously gracious and helpful, and there is a palpable feeling of optimism and readiness for Clark to start on its new course with its new, extremely able, and popular president, David Angel.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. My first and most important challenge is getting to know Clark. I'll be spending much of the year visiting every department and getting to know the faculty, students and staff. Ultimately my job will be successful only with the support and active participation of the faculty, and this means that I have to know the faculty to enlist their support.
Q. What's your favorite thing about Central Massachusetts?
A. I like Worcester. It is a good size city, not so large that it is hard to do things or to get out into the countryside, but big enough to have a vibrant and varied cultural scene. My wife, Deanna Leamon, is a professional artist, and she and I are very much enjoying getting to know the art scene in Worcester.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. I did have inclinations to teach in high school, and I did have an interest in philosophy. So a career teaching philosophy would have made some sense to me. Frankly I am pretty sure I did not have a clue what a provost was in high school. But I do see my work as provost very much aligned with my teaching and research.
Q. How far is your commute to the office?
A. About two miles. 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Q. What could local and state governments do to make things better for your business?
A. One of the things that attracted me to Clark in the first place was the multiple productive relationships that Clark has going with local and state governments. Fundamentally, I think the university is, and will continue to be, a productive partner with many governmental agencies.
Q. What's the best way to keep your energy and motivation up when you're having a long day?
A. Eat well, sleep enough, exercise to stay healthy and maintain perspective.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. I have not been here long enough to answer this question with any authority at all. Early on I discovered Acoustic Java and, and I will say I like the food and ambiance there. But I know there are many other new places to learn about. That is fun to look forward to.
Q. Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
A. I have hiked all my life. I spent my teenage years hiking in northern New England. While I've been in South Carolina my wife and I have very much enjoyed getting to know the southern Appalachians. We walked up Mount Wachusett last weekend and we are looking forward to getting to know good places to explore near Worcester and to getting back to northern New England.
Q. What's on your to-do list for the next couple of days?
A. Continue unpacking boxes both at home and in my office. Continue meeting with faculty leaders on campus getting to know the Clark culture.
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