Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, is passionate about helping all kinds of people live creative, fulfilling and self-actualized lives. As the keynote speaker at the College of Arts and Sciences’ inaugural Dr. Francis K. Davis Endowed Lecture on November 4, Kaufman led a wide-ranging discussion on a question that has been debated throughout history: What does it mean to live well?  

Kaufman has spent his career studying the science behind well-being and self-actualization. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential, host of the Psychology Podcast, and author of 11 books, most recently “Rise Above,” which offers actionable solutions to empower readers and help them reach their full potential. In his lecture, Kaufman encouraged an audience of students, faculty, alumni and friends of the college to use creative thinking to identify the life they want to live and to not let external factors stop them from pursuing it. 

“It was really interesting to hear somebody talk about ways to live a more fulfilling and enriching life surrounded by love and creativity,” said Scott Warnock, PhD, Professor of English and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education in the College of Arts and Sciences.  

Kaufman’s early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. At three years old, he was diagnosed with a central auditory processing disorder that made it difficult for him to process things in real time, which led to him being placed in a special ed class.  

“I found the lecture very inspiring because I am also neurodivergent and had experiences in high school similar to Dr. Kaufman’s, like the story he told about being in special ed,” said Alexander Vogel, a staff member in Drexel’s Office of Research and Innovation.  

The Dr. Francis K. Davis Endowed Lecture was established by a generous alumnus in honor of a beloved and inspiring member of the Drexel faculty, Dr. Francis K. Davis. The lecture aims to bridge the gap between the arts and sciences by emphasizing the critical role of creativity in scientific inquiry and discovery.  

“It was such a meaningful experience for me,” Kaufman said after the lecture. “The people I’ve met here at Drexel are incredible in their passion for integrating the arts and sciences. To live well requires integrating both the rational side of ourselves and the experiential side that receives beauty and goodness from the universe. To be able to deliver that message today was a true honor and I wish this program well.”   

The Davis Lecture was intended to introduce students to a new course being offered in the college. Journeys in Arts and Sciences (AS-Y-104) will begin Winter 2026. The course will continue as AS-Y-105 in Spring 2026. 

Drexel faculty and guest speakers will highlight the practice, potential and promise of linking the content and perspectives of Arts and Sciences disciplines. Through a selection of readings, guest talks, student discussions, lectures and coursework, this class will help students understand how the many fields that make up the Arts and Sciences, work together to solve problems, make new discoveries and ask new questions.