Q&A with Provost Patrice McMahon

What first drew you to Minerva’s mission, and how did it resonate with your own values and aspirations as an educator and leader?

I have been aware of Minerva for quite some time. My deeper connection began in 2015 after reading an article in The Atlantic about the future of college. A few years later, my oldest daughter decided to apply to Minerva and was accepted. Her educational journey at Minerva was transformative, and her education and experiences impacted our entire family. At that time, I was a Professor of Political Science and preparing for an administrative role as the Director of the University Honors Program, a program with about 2,000 students. These changes in my career, combined with what I was learning about Minerva, pushed me to think more critically about what the university could do for students. And while I loved teaching and engaging with students, I often felt disheartened and even embarrassed by the reality of American universities that frequently prioritized research and grant writing over student learning. It seemed improbable at best that universities were really fostering critical thinking and problem solving in large lectures by aspiring faculty who had to prioritize research (if they wanted to keep their jobs). I longed to be part of an institution that truly put students and their learning at the center. After witnessing my daughter’s transformation and the calibre of her colleagues at Minerva, I realized that this is genuinely an institution that changes lives and fulfills the promises of higher education. I knew that, somehow, I wanted to be a part of what Minerva was accomplishing.

In what ways do you see Minerva shaping — or even challenging — the future of global higher education?

There has never been a more opportune moment for Minerva to make its mark on higher education. As countries and their educational institutions turn inward, focusing on domestic students and local challenges, Minerva stands out because of its commitment to a systems thinking framework, the science of learning, as well as global perspectives and practical, real-world experiences. Especially at this point in time, I cannot imagine a better combination for young people. Minerva fundamentally challenges conventional thinking about the foundations of the university, because it is not based on faculty, their interests, and expertise. Minerva is built around students, how they learn best, and what they need to be successful in the 21st century. By integrating technology and innovative pedagogies, Minerva fosters a learning environment that transcends geography and discipline, and by providing thoughtful scaffolding in several global cities, it not only responds to the current demands but also shapes future expectations of what the university can do. And I have seen the results first-hand! Minerva prepares students from all over the world to thrive in an uncertain, interconnected world while fostering compassion and responsibility to make the world a better place.

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You’ve worked extensively on international relations, democracy, and humanitarianism. How do those experiences shape your vision for Minerva?

We live in challenging but exciting times, and I am convinced that now is exactly the right time for a global university that understands the stakes. We are now living in a rapidly changing world that is reassessing the need for and benefits of globalization, cooperation, and democracy. Universities play a crucial role in advancing knowledge, but also in cultivating globally responsible citizens. With our student population, who are living and studying on four continents, our students learn first-hand about global challenges and have the opportunity to see how these problems can be addressed. My vision for Minerva is that our students learn how to think critically and act compassionately.

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Can you tell me more about “The Ordinary People” project you recently worked on?

Three years ago, the Ordinary People Project began as a research project focused on Poland's surprising grassroots response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As my research progressed, I shifted my focus to understanding the way Polish society responded and to exploring the consequences of aid, not only for the recipients but also for those providing assistance. In light of the significant changes in U.S. foreign policy, including the closure of USAID and cuts to humanitarian aid funding, I've contemplated the future of humanitarian assistance. While international relations undoubtedly present new challenges, I believe that grassroots, bottom-up initiatives provide us with some reasons for optimism and hope. Community-driven efforts offer indigenous solutions while fostering resilience, solidarity, and a sense of agency among both donors and recipients.

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If you could design and teach a class at Minerva, what would it focus on, and why would it matter to students today?

I certainly want to co-design and co-teach a class at Minerva because I am keen to collaborate with and learn from Minerva’s great faculty and our students. Ideally, the class would focus on conflict resolution and the future of humanitarianism. Using historical and recent case studies, it would encourage students to think deeply about what causes violent conflicts and the range of tools, actors, strategies, and mindsets for promoting peaceful change.

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How would you describe your philosophy of education in a few words?

My philosophy of education is deeply rooted in my commitment to global awareness and universal human rights, instilling in students both a sense of agency and responsibility. 

As a proud Minerva parent, what’s one moment or experience that made you think, “This is something truly different”?

There were many, but I knew Minerva was very different when my daughter showed me her professor’s written comments on her class participation. She then showed me the comments she received on a written assignment. Faculty commitment to student learning at Minerva is not just different, it is unparalleled. 

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You’ve lived, researched, and worked in so many different countries — what’s one place that changed you, and how?

I have now lived and worked (for at least a few months) in seven places, and have traveled to more than 55 countries (some of which don’t exist anymore, by the way). All of these places have changed me, and for the better. But if I have to pick, I will choose two – Poland and China. I started traveling to Poland in college, and this country has taught me, more than anything, that big changes are possible and that society and bottom-up initiatives can achieve a lot. As an adult and with my family, I have also spent a lot of time in China. China has taught me about the importance of acknowledging milestones and community – and great food, of course!

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What’s a book, movie, or experience that really shaped the way you think?

Choosing one book or movie is really hard. I read Walden (Henry David Thoreau) and  Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse) at about the same time, in high school, I believe, and they resonated with me. I knew that I wanted to travel, and not just see the world but to experience it. I also knew that I did not want to get caught up in American consumerism and was thinking a lot about my spiritual journey and what I really believed in and wanted in my life. Thoreau and Hesse helped me realize that others have some of the same questions and needs. These books guided me, inspired me, and gave me permission to forge my own path. More recently, I watched the movie Elysium with Matt Damon. In fact, because the movie depicts an apocalyptic future of violence, inequality, and environmental disaster, I have now watched it three times. The movie still haunts me. 

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If you could give one piece of advice to students preparing to live and lead in an uncertain world, what would it be?

My advice to Minerva students would be the same advice I have given to my students and my daughters. Some advice should withstand time: be curious, be kind, and have an open heart, but, above all, live life to the fullest. This is not a rehearsal.

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What’s a piece of advice you would give your younger self when you were just starting your career?

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Find your pace and finish with grace.

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What message would you most want Minerva students and families to hear as you step into your role as Provost?

As an educator for 25 years, I take this opportunity to heart. I will work hard, try not to waste time or money, and together I am confident we will accomplish our goal of equipping some of the smartest and hardworking students from around the world with the knowledge, tools, and experiences to improve the world.

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If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would...

... buy a farm with plenty of room for family and friends. We would have a large garden, flowers and lots of horses.

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The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

... to lean into your relationships.

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If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve...

... dancing. I love to dance and don’t do it enough.