Block Talks
The opening event of Inauguration Day at Colorado College, “Block Talks” are a series of short, thought-provoking presentations that reflect the energy and spirit of the Block Plan. These dynamic talks, each running 10 minutes or less, provide an opportunity to showcase the contributions of CC’s faculty, staff, and students to the college’s rich academic life—concisely and compellingly, just like our distinct academic model.
Sarah Hinkle, Director of the Speaking Center at Colorado College, will emcee the Block Talks.
Block Talk Speakers
Steven Hayward, Professor of English
“How to Study Abroad”
Dr. Steven Hayward was born and raised in Canada and is a Canadian bestselling author. He has published four fiction books and directed the documentary feature “The Block Plan,” which won Best Picture at the 2022 Helsinki International Film Festival. His talk examines how digital connectivity has changed the way we experience new places and cultures and offers a path to rediscovering authentic connection through intentional moments of ‘lostness’.
Carlie Malott, Class of 2026
“Beyond the Label: The Psychological Impact of Education Categories on Child Development”
Carlie Malott is a senior education and psychology major. Her education thesis, the early findings of which she presented at an international conference last fall, examines how disability labels can both unlock students’ potential and inadvertently limit their sense of self-worth, confidence, and performance. For her psychology thesis, she is piloting a body-acceptance program she co-developed with researchers at Stanford University. She currently works in a neuropsychological assessment clinic and as a Crisis Text Line counselor.
Steve Getty, Director, Quantitative Reasoning Center
“What Makes You Tick? A Formula for Understanding and Supporting Motivation”
Dr. Steve Getty has been involved in teaching and research at CC for the past 25 years. He has a Ph.D. from Brown University. For over a decade, his research has investigated the experiences of STEM students from middle school to college and ways to support their motivation and academic success.
Dustin Fife, College Librarian
“How to Read Unwritten Rules”
Dustin Fife has been the College Librarian at CC since 2022 and a library director for over 15 years. His research interests include the intersection of leadership and equity in higher education. Fife is the co-author of “A Starter’s Guide for Academic Library Leaders” and was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2016.
Elizabeth Coggins, Associate Professor of Political Science
“The Power of a Conversation”
Dr. Elizabeth Coggins came to CC in 2014 after a year as a post-doctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in U.S. Politics & Methodology. She studies U.S. politics, public opinion, ideological identification, race, and political psychology. Her co-authored book, “The Dynamics of Public Opinion,” was published by Cambridge University Press in 2021. She teaches Introduction to U.S. Politics and Government, Race & Politics, Ideology in the United States, Public Policymaking, Political Science Research Methods, and Congress.