The College of Charleston has a way of drawing people back. For Bert Schewel, a Classics graduate and now the Systems and Project Director for the Office of the Provost, the journey from undergraduate student to faculty and administrator has been deeply intertwined with his passion for academia and his love for Charleston. His story reflects the enduring impact of a liberal arts education and the importance of faculty governance in shaping the institution’s future.
A Passion for Classics and a Return to Charleston
Bert Schewel’s academic journey began with an innate interest in ancient history, but it wasn’t until he arrived at the College of Charleston in 2009 that he discovered the field of Classics. A pivotal moment came during his senior year when he realized that his time studying Greek in Dr. Andrew Alwine’s class was coming to an end. That moment of realization led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Classics at Fordham University.
After completing his doctoral studies, Bert and his wife—both proud CofC alumni—felt the pull back to Charleston. While the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in their departure from New York City, Bert had already decided against chasing a tenure-track academic career. Returning to Charleston was both a personal and professional decision. He even wrote much of his dissertation in Addlestone Library, further cementing his deep connection to the campus. His commitment to CofC remained strong, and he kept a close watch on job postings at the college, eager to contribute to his alma mater.
Supporting Faculty and Curriculum Development
As the Systems and Project Director for the Office of the Provost, Bert plays a crucial role in maintaining the technological and procedural systems that keep the college running efficiently. He manages several platforms, including Curriculog, which oversees curriculum development and approval, and Blue, the course-instructor evaluation platform. His work ensures that these systems remain up-to-date and functional for faculty, administration, and students alike.
Beyond software management, Bert also ensures that the college’s business processes align with the requirements of governing bodies like the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This compliance is essential in maintaining the college’s accreditation and upholding its academic integrity.
Faculty Governance and Transparency
One of the most significant aspects of Bert’s role is his involvement in faculty governance. The curriculum approval process is designed to reflect the College’s core values, including Academic Excellence, Liberal Arts Education, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As the first reviewer of curriculum proposals, Bert ensures that various committees, such as the Curriculum, Graduate Education, General Education, and R.E.I. committees, receive well-structured and clearly articulated submissions.
Recognizing the importance of transparency in faculty governance, Bert has implemented systems that allow faculty members to comment on senate business before official meetings. This approach has enhanced the efficiency of discussions and provided a voice to faculty members who may not attend meetings in person.
Balancing Administration and Teaching
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Bert continues to engage with students as an Adjunct Instructor of Classics. Teaching 8:00 AM classes allows him to balance his dual roles effectively. He credits the support of his colleagues in the Provost’s Office for enabling him to remain involved with the Classics Department.
For Bert, teaching at the College of Charleston is particularly meaningful. He vividly recalls the surreal experience of standing in Randolph Hall, teaching Latin in the same room where he once studied the language himself. Seeing students progress through elementary and intermediate courses—and knowing that they willingly stick with his early-morning classes—is a source of immense pride.
A Unique and Rewarding Place to Work
For Bert, working at the College of Charleston is about more than just a job—it’s about giving back to his alma mater. He takes pride in contributing to the institution that shaped his academic and professional path. Moreover, he appreciates the college’s unwavering commitment to the liberal arts, which continues to foster intellectual growth and interdisciplinary collaboration.
With a career that seamlessly blends administrative leadership, faculty support, and classroom teaching, Bert Schewel exemplifies the multifaceted nature of academic life at the College of Charleston. His journey is a testament to the power of education, the value of strong faculty governance, and the enduring connection between alumni and their alma mater.
