Cherry heads Liberal Studies major MSU professor of history David Cherry has been selected as director of MSU's Liberal Studies major, according to Greg Young, MSU vice provost for undergraduate education. "David was selected following an internal search, and was a key player in bringing faculty together to craft the proposal to establish the degree," Young said. "He has invested time and energy, and has a thorough understanding of the philosophy behind this type of education. Some of the most exciting advances in knowledge and emerging fields occur at the intersections of traditional disciplines, and this degree prepares students for that." The Liberal Studies major, initiated last fall, already has 40 students who have declared the major within the first semester, Cherry said. He said the major appeals to students who want to obtain a high-quality education without specializing in some of MSU's more traditional fields. "Students in the major come away with good reading and critical thinking skills that make them attractive to employers in a wide variety of fields," The program allows students to design their own program across MSU disciplines.