Drs. Abby Manzella and Lee Manion announced yesterday that they will be leaving Stern College. Dr. Manion will be a fellow at the National Humanities Center, after which both will be assuming new positions in the English Department at the University of Missouri.
Aside from adjunct professors, Drs. Manion and Manzella represented 25% of the Department (2/8 full time professors). Their departure leaves only five full time professors for the upcoming 2013/2014 academic year. Dr. Linda Shires, co-chair of the department, will be taking a one-year research sabbatical next year. Dr. Nora Nachumi, who has served as acting chair of the Department, will assume Dr. Shires’ duties during her absence. Dr. Adam Zachary Newton, co-chair of the English Department on the uptown Wilf campus, has volunteered to teach the only advanced English course being offered during the Fall semester.
As to whether or not these two positions will be replaced, a response from the Department is still pending. More information to follow.