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Controversial EWU hirings
It was interesting to read the Nov. 2 article about students at CSTEM (College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at Eastern Washington University. EWU has experienced a rise in students but only due to a large increase in STEM students. So why are controversial appointments for positions of interim provost and dean being made?
The new interim provost is from health sciences, which is not part of CSTEM. This provost then proceeded to appoint herself as dean of CSTEM despite conflicting mandates: The provost supports administration; a dean supports faculty. She then appointed a member of dental hygiene, which also is not part of CSTEM, and who does not have a doctorate degree, as associate dean.
With there being very little reason for these changes, some faculty are concerned that cutbacks for STEM are forthcoming. All students, men and women, should be as concerned as faculty is. A Nov. 6 discussion with the provost did little to alleviate these fears.
As the new president has yet to address these issues, does the football team need to get involved?
Elizabeth Fobes
Spokane