May 2007 Dean E-News
Dear Colleagues,
This marks my last formal communication to you as Dean of
the College of Arts and Letters. Though it was a short tenure, I have grown
and learned a tremendous amount as a result of the experience. I have also made some lifelong friends!
In this communication, I will recap some of the highs of the
year.
First, we better have an understanding of the inequity in
salaries and resources that the College faces.
Armed with adequate data, the College can begin to turn things
around.
Second, we have instituted the performance-based
compensation process. Though not yet
perfect, we learned from the initial process and already the COAL Department
Heads are exploring ideas for improvement next year.
Third, each department now has a strategic plan. This is necessary to forecast growth and make
the best use of scarce resources.
Fourth, we have reconnected with many of our alumni who are
now showing great interest and a willingness to support our student
scholarships and programs.
Fifth, we enhanced our membership in the Imagining America
Consortium. The Imagining America
Consortium: Artists and Scholars in
Public Life represents a commitment by colleges and universities across the
country to fostering campus community partnerships in the arts and
humanities. As testament to the superior
public affairs endeavors of the College, the University of Auburn
sent a team this spring to observe best practices.
Sixth, the COAL Lecture series along with Writers Hall of
Fame of America and the
Department of English brought world known authors Frank McCourt and Nawal El
Saadawi to campus and the Springfield
community.
Seventh, led by John Bourhis, we participated in some very
important discussions on distance learning, technology, and alternative modes
of access. There is every indication
that these conversations will continue.
These are but a few of the College’s accomplishment for the
year. It has been a real privilege to
serve as Dean of the College
of Arts and Letters
during this academic year. As you know,
because of health issues, I have resigned my position effective May 30,
2007. I appreciate the numerous
contributions and support you provided and know that this support will continue
for the incoming Dean, Dr. Carey Adams.
Sincerely,
Adele Newson-Horst
Dean and Professor of English