Two days after 10 first-year faculty members were informed that their contracts would not be renewed for the 2016-2017 academic year, one of those faculty members has been reinstated.

Charles Gorden, who was hired as the director of the Theatre Program within the Music, Theatre and Dance Department of Marywood University, said he was given his job back Wednesday afternoon.

Gorden was one of five faculty members from the Insalaco College of Creative and Performing Arts who were initially told their contracts would not be renewed.

Gorden received an email from Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D., president of Marywood University, informing him that his contract would be renewed.

Gorden confirmed the decision in a telephone interview with The Wood Word.

 “The email came in while I was in class, so I didn’t look at it or see it until after 6 [p.m.], but it probably came in around 4 to 6 p.m., when I was teaching,” said Gorden. “It’s a relief, that’s for sure.”

In the email, Sr. Anne offered Gorden “renewal of [Gorden’s] agreement for the 2016-2017 academic year” adding she had “received additional information regarding the responsibilities [Gorden] fulfill[s].” She also apologized for any “inconvenience or confusion” that her previous letter caused.

Junior theatre major Kristin Stewart learned that Gorden was to be rehired during rehearsal for “Twisted Theatre,” an annual production at Marywood.

“I was really happy [to learn the news] because I was worried about what was going to happen to the rising seniors,” said Stewart.

Stewart said Gorden’s reinstatement gives her hope that other faculty members who were cut might also be rehired.

“Hopefully, this will lead for an example for other teachers who got laid off. Even though he got his job back, hopefully everybody else will get their jobs back.”

Check back with The Wood Word for updates.

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