In a time when humanities programs face significant enrollment declines, Purdue University is taking innovative steps to reintegrate liberal arts into its curriculum, particularly for students in STEM fields. The university's Cornerstone program, initiated in 2015, aims to provide a holistic education by incorporating classic texts and discussions on ethics into the academic experience of non-liberal arts majors.

Purdue has witnessed a dramatic drop in humanities enrollment, with majors in English and History down by a third over the past decade. The College of Liberal Arts experienced a 40% decrease in majors between 2010 and 2015, a trend attributed to various factors including the financial crisis, rising college costs, and a societal shift towards technology-focused education.

Under the leadership of Dean David Rheingold, the Cornerstone program replaces traditional communication requirements with a two-semester slate of classes that emphasize critical thinking and the exploration of transformative texts from diverse authors. This initiative has seen participation grow from 100 students in its pilot phase to over 5,000 currently enrolled.

Professors like Brian Kogelman and Melinda Zook emphasize the importance of understanding humanity and fostering empathy through literature and the arts. The program not only enriches the educational experience of STEM students but also aims to inspire a renewed interest in the liberal arts, as evidenced by the hiring of over 100 new liberal arts faculty members.

The success of Cornerstone has sparked interest in similar programs across more than 70 colleges nationwide, including community colleges, highlighting a growing recognition of the value of a well-rounded education. As Purdue continues to navigate the challenges facing humanities disciplines, the hope is that students will emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.