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by Richard J. Dunn
Four scholars from across the nation visited the department in March as candidates to become the Department of English’s next chair. These finalists are all outstanding scholars, educators, and administrators and have been chosen through a process involving input from faculty and staff. The search committee consists of five Humanities Division faculty, three from other departments and two from English, advisory to the Dean responsible for an offer of appointment.
Assuming that one of these finalists will become the next chair, I make a request on that person’s behalf. I don’t need to ask the department’s many friends and alumni to continue providing much valued support; but I do ask that you take a few minutes to think about what from your undergraduate or graduate English study has had lasting impact.
If this request seems daunting, simply recall from your English study one of those times you experienced what some of us call the “Aha!” moment. These are moments of self-conscious and surprising discovery.
The information you share, however anecdotal, can help us make clear the nature and purpose of our programs of study, extend the opportunity for undergraduate internships, community service, and study abroad. It will help us in advising students about academic programs and about career opportunities; it will affect the planning of the department’s future public events, such as the English Showcase series begun this year.
Drop us a note, send off an email, or at least browse our website, which will soon have a new, more user-friendly design.
