Wabash College Professor of Philosophy Adriel M. Trott has been named an academic leadership fellow by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA). As one of 10 GLCA faculty members selected as a fellow, Trott will hold a titled administrative position at Wabash for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years.
Over the course of two years, Trott will lead an initiative that will spotlight how the strengths of a Wabash education cultivate intellectual versatility, ethical discernment, and professional adaptability—all qualities essential for thriving in the modern world. As the director of liberal arts pathways, she will identify with multiple campus partners a series of pathways that integrate academic courses and co-curricular opportunities to showcase the multiple routes students can pursue toward purposeful careers.
“I appreciate the confidence the GLCA and Wabash have in my capacities and in the work of advocating for the liberal arts in the 21st century,” said Trott, currently the Andrew T. and Anne Ford chair in the liberal arts. “This project will champion the liberal arts’ ability to fulfill the Wabash mission. I look forward to working with Wabash faculty and a multitude of campus departments to highlight the pathways our students can follow to thriving careers.”
Trott’s goal is to clarify for students and parents how current course offerings can pair with co-curricular experiences on campus to prepare students for specific professions. The fellowship will allow for exploration and organization of course offerings and co-curricular activities.
“For example, a pathway focused on law might join courses in government, ethics, logic, and literature with Moot Court and internships in public discourse,” Trott explained. “Other pathways could highlight interdisciplinary paths toward entrepreneurship, international affairs, journalism, social change, or sports management.”
“This project has great potential, especially for prospective students and parents, to understand the power of the liberal arts,” said Dean of the College Todd McDorman. “Dr. Trott has demonstrated herself a leader among the faculty and this new role will allow her to build important bridges across the entire campus that will sharpen the ways we demonstrate the impact of the liberal arts.”
In addition to academic and admisistrative responsibilities, Trott and this initial cohort of GLCA academic leadership
fellows will meet regularly to reflect, strategize, and foster growth through reflection and collegiality. Such shared experiences will strengthen both academic and professional networks for each participant.
Founded in 1962, the GLCA works on behalf of 11 member institutions in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to be a leading force on behalf of education in the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. The GLCA strives to enhance member colleges through leadership in emerging areas of opportunity and challenge.