Expository Writing Grows

Third tenure track is added to department

After the College Faculty Council (CFC) authorized a third tenure track position for the Expository Writing Program last year, professors in the program are now anticipating the national search for a new professor.

Last year, Visiting Assistant professor Wendy Hesford left the Expository Writing Program to teach English at Indiana University because the CFC didn't approve tenure for her position.

Her resignation was surrounded by student protest and pressure for the approval of a third tenure track position.

"We're thrilled that the faculty council voted to give us the position," Leonard Podis, director of the Expository Writing Program and professor of Expository Writing and English, said.

"We've fought for it for many years and we are thrilled to go foward with it," said Podis.

The national search for the third professor will begin as soon as the job description is approved by the CFC. The description was submitted to the council last month. According to Podis, the department will place advertisements to other college departments as well as graduate schools across the country. He said, "We will use every available resource to find the best person."

Anthony Stocks, Visiting Instructor in the English Department last year, is temporarily filling the third position for this year.

"I'm excited and happy to be where I am," said Stocks. Stocks also said he now has the opportunity to meet students who wouldn't ordinarily take English courses.

Last year, students, as well as several professors, were disappointed by the CFC's decision that led to Hesford's resignation. A group of students who were concerned with the future direction of the program compiled a petition that was sent to former Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Mary Ella Feinleib last February. The petition was signed by 225 students in support of speeding up the process to support the third tenure track position.

Podis said that he hope and expects to hear from the CFC early next week concerning the job description.