Challenging courses are a part of education no matter which college you choose to attend. But at Whitman College, you’ll quickly discover that academic rigor is something you actively pursue and truly appreciate, not merely something you’re forced to deal with. This is a community where a love for intellectual challenge is something students share in common with one another. And with their professors.

“I was born and raised in Los Angeles,” says Dr. Susan Pickett, Catherine Chism Professor of Music and a faculty member whose passion for music has inspired many generations of Whitman students. “I studied violin and piano throughout high school, ultimately choosing violin. I attended Occidental College, Indiana University and Texas Tech University for my A.B., M.M. (violin), and Ph.D. (musicology). I interviewed for the job at Whitman College as I was completing my doctorate, and I was immediately was drawn to the college and the town.”

So just what was it about this community that attracted Professor Pickett? She believes it was the spirit of intellectual freedom and innovation that she sensed.

“I think Whitman offers students and faculty an academic environment that is challenging and innovative. I have freedom to conduct my classes as I see fit, which means they are usually highly interactive. I also have the freedom to teach innovative courses, like my course on Women Composers, which is rare for a college of this size.”

Having taught here for more than 26 years, Professor Pickett also enjoys the extensive student-faculty interaction that lies at the core of the academic experience at Whitman. “I spend a great deal of time assisting students outside of classes,” she explains. “I really enjoy getting to know the students better through one-on-one work. Also, because my specialty is women composers, I have been able to mentor students on projects dealing with this subject matter for their senior projects as well as for Perry Grants. A few of my students have gone on to graduate school with the specific purpose of continuing in that area of study.

“I believe Whitman both broadens the students’ horizons and prepares them for graduate school and professional goals. That’s the beauty of this school. That’s why I prefer teaching at Whitman as opposed to a large university. Personal goals are often intertwined with professional goals. We, as faculty, are able to get to know students much better than the typical university faculty, and, I believe, better able to guide them in their professional choices.”