Swarthmore College's new president has a plan for dealing with a student body known for its vocal activism: Listen carefully to the students. Craft a careful, well-researched response. Communicate with them. "It's critically important to maintain open dialogue with students," said Valerie Smith, 59, who on Saturday was inaugurated as the first African American president of Swarthmore, one of the most prestigious and selective colleges in the country. Smith, an English and African American studies scholar who formerly served as dean of the college at Princeton University, took over at the 1,500-student college in July, replacing Rebecca Chopp, who now heads the University of Denver.

October 4, 2015 ・ From Philadelphia Inquirer