Recently some actions of the administration have aroused frustration among the students. Example--read the following letters that speak of developments within the theology department.
MAT Newsnotes
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Saint Catherine University
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dr. Catherine R. Michaud, CSJ
Dear M.A.T. Students and Alums,
This issue of the Newsnotes that I would normally have sent to you last spring has been awaiting the confirmation of some very important changes for the Master of Arts Program in Theology and the Theology Department for the
years ahead. The first of those changes, which is a reason to celebrate, is the appointment of Dr. William (Bill) McDonough as coordinator of the M.A.T. Bill officially assumed his new position and moved into the M.A.T. coordinator’s office (Whitby 219a) on August 15. He has taught in the M.A.T every sixth semester, alternating with Dr. Russ Connors to teach the Christian Ethics course. It is my privilege to assist Bill during his first year as head of the M.A.T. He is off to a wonderful start and he will be an excellent, conscientious, and caring leader. If you have the opportunity to do so, please join me in welcoming Bill to
his new position. It has been my great joy for the past seven years to serve
as director—finishing off the term of my predecessor and then serving two three-year terms of my own.
As far as my own future at St. Catherine’s is concerned, please read the letter in the next column by Dr. Tom West, Acting Chair of the Theology Department from January till Sept. 1. Many of you already know that Dr. Russ Connors, who
had only begun his sabbatical leave in January when he learned that he had cancer, is on medical leave this semester. He is waging a determined and courageous battle against the cancer found in his colon and liver. His doctors
took swift action and the rest of us who love him are praying for his healing. Russ writes his own reports on CaringBridge [russconnors] if you would like to be in
touch with him. Russ completed three terms as Theology Department Chair and has passed his gavel to Dr. Vince Skemp to whom we are most grateful for so generously agreeing to serve as Department Chair.
Finally, with new leadership in the MAT Program, you should be prepared for the next issue of the MAT Newsnotes to arrive in October with a new “look”!
Dr. McDonough is available in the afternoons before M.A.T. classes begin at 6:00 and by appointment. Do not hesitate to contact him or stop by his office: Whitby 219a; X6072 [email: wcmcdonough@stkate.edu].
LETTER FROM THE THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT CHAIR DR. THOMAS WEST
September 7, 2010
Dear Students and Alums of the Master of Arts Program in Theology:
I am writing this letter as the outgoing acting chair of the Theology Department. As the acting chair I was involved in Sr. Catherine Michaud’s request for advancement to tenured status here at St. Catherine University.
In the fall of 2009, Sr. Catherine began her request by submitting her self-evaluation to the departmental peer evaluators, to the Chair, and to the Faculty Personnel Committee (FPC). All thoroughly evaluated her and
recommended her for tenure. In late January of 2010, the FPC sent their evaluation and recommendation on to Dr. Alan Silva, the then Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences. He rejected the recommendation,
denying her tenure. Sr. Catherine appealed the decision to Dean Silva. He
rejected her appeal, as did Ms. Colleen Hegranes, the Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and Sr. Andrea Lee, the President of the University. Finally,she
appealed to the Board of Trustees, who rejected her appeal. Losing the appeal means that Sr. Catherine‘s contract to teach this coming academic year is terminal. And thus in June of 2011 she will lose her job.
Sr. Catherine began teaching in the graduate program after completing her doctorate in 2003. And many of you came to know her outside the classroom in her capacity as MAT Director. I know from talking with you and reading your
evaluations of her teaching that many of you have found in her an inspiring educator and a holy woman who has had a transformative effect on those fortunate enough to know her.
So I thought you should know about this decision to deny her tenure.
If you wish to raise questions, make comments, or procure more information, feel free to e-mail me at thwest@stkate.edu; or write me at St. Catherine University, Mail #4222, St. Paul MN 55105; or call me at 651-690-6065.
Sr. Catherine can be reached at crmichaud@stkate.edu; at SCU, Mail #4157; or at 651-690-6712.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Tom West, Professor of Theology
2 comments:
It is important to get the correct timeline of the events that lead to this decision. I would suggest that we remain professional and thoughtful using this blog. I believe that is the way to get heard.
IT SEEMS THAT THE UNIVERSITY WANTS TO GET RID OF SISTER CATHERINE.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR IT?
I HEARD SISTER SPEAK AT THE BASILICA OF ST MARY .
SHE MADE SOME PRETTY FAR OUT STATEMENTS ON MARY MAGDALENE.
THESE WERE NOT APPROPRIATE.
CERTAINLY A NUN SHOULD NOT BE SPEAKING LIKE THIS.
AT ONE POINT SHE VERY STRONGLY STATED "AND DON'T YOU CALL ME A BRIDE OF CHRIST" AS IF THAT WAS A CRIME.
NUNS ARE BRIDES OF CHRIST--PERIOD
IF THIS IS HOW SHE IS TEACHING THEN SHE SHOULD NOT BE TEACHING IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
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