Early in the days of COVID-19, the pandemic was said to shine a light that illuminated unacceptable health inequities within our society. In reality, the pandemic has become a searchlight, probing the horizon for all manner of both injustice and new opportunity.
Academia requires exchange of ideas, to learn from others, and to watch for searchlights. With intention, we develop programs that benefit our students and assist our employees and faculty members in their pursuit of lifelong learning. We also secure the opportunity to learn from very wise people in other institutions, often from very far away.
While COVID-19 has put the brakes on in-person interactions with visiting professors, it has also allowed us to become adept at learning from afar by virtual means. Two recent examples give pause for reflection.