Six academic departments underwent changes this summer as a result of the Strategic Resource Allocation (SRA) process.

The following departments combined on July 1: philosophy and religious studies; English and foreign language; mathematics/computer science and science.

Provost Dr. Susan Turell appointed one chair for each of these three departments. Some chairpersons stepped down while others will continue as chairs and oversee a newly combined department.

Dr. Philip Jenkins stepped down from his position as chair of the philosophy department. Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, current chair of religious studies, will continue as chair of the department of philosophy and religious studies.

Dr. Ann Cerminaro-Costanzi stepped down from her role as chair of the foreign language department. Dr. Erin Sadlack, current chair of the English department, will continue as chair of the department of English and foreign languages.

Dr. Thomas Kent, current chair of mathematics and computer science, will not return to Marywood in the fall semester. Dr. Michael Kiel, current chair of the science department, will continue as chair of science, mathematics and computer science.

Other faculty and staff in each department have not been affected by the mergers. Some plan to retire or leave voluntarily for other reasons.

“Every year there’s faculty movements. Sometimes people leave to further their career goals and things like that, but nobody is being let go or anything,” Jenkins said. “Everybody’s staying who wants to stay.”

According to Cerminaro-Costanzi, Dr. José Reyes has retired, and a pro-rata faculty member will be brought in to replace him.

The major and minor programs, as well as course offerings will also remain the same in each department.

Jenkins said he hopes combining the departments provides “new incentives and opportunities” for students in different majors to work together. For instance, his proposal for a new minor in critical thinking and ethics requires courses in both philosophy and religious studies.

Cerminaro-Costanzi said she looks forward to combined efforts between the English and foreign language areas.

“They’re [the English department faculty] very strong advocates for the study of foreign language, and I think that will help us keep pressure on maintaining language study here at Marywood,” she said.

Contact the writer: [email protected]
Twitter: @BWilliamsTWW