It’s always a surprise to me how quick each year flies by.  It just seems like yesterday that I was writing a message for the 2007 UNCG Holiday Newsletter! I hope the past year has been kind to you and your loved ones.

The past year has brought significant change to the University and department. In July, Dr. Patricia Sullivan retired after 13 years as chancellor and Dr. Linda Brady was named to succeed her. Chancellor Brady, who was formerly the Provost at the University of Oregon, is--in the parlance of the stage--a “quick-study” who has confidently assumed her responsibilities and is providing strong, informed leadership.  Right now, all of us at the University are preparing for budget reductions as a result of the economic downturn. No one knows how deep and prolonged the cuts will be. We’re planning for the worst but hoping for the best knowing that “the show must go on.” 

The department welcomed Dr. Chris Woodworth as our new Theatre history/studies expert. Chris, who has her PhD from Bowling Green State University, has quickly established herself as a committed and energetic teacher, scholar and colleague.  Alan Cook, came out of retirement, to teach African Theatre, and in the Spring will be offering a similar course in the African-American Studies program—it’s good to see Alan on campus again. Sadly, the illness of our dear colleague Marsha Paludan has cast a pall over the semester and reminds me of how fragile all of us are.

I am in my sixth year of service as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and continue to enjoy the different tasks and projects I’m working on which include directing the College’s Freshman Seminar program and our online degree completion program in the Humanities. This summer and fall I taught THR 600 Introduction to Graduate Studies and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with M.Ed. students in the  summer SITE program and the new MFA students.

I’ve received messages and visits from a number of former faculty and alumni during the past year.  Congratulations to Dr. Heather Moorefield-Lang who completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Chapel Hill. I had the honor of serving on Heather’s dissertation committee and she met with my SITE students this summer—hopefully inspiring some of them to think about a doctorate after they complete their masters degree. Another alumnus, Claire Deal (MFA Directing), completed her Ph.D. in Cultural Studies at George Mason University.  Dr. Claire is on the faculty at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. I had wonderful visit with Alison Monsee this Fall who earned a masters in arts education and is teaching in Virginia.  Lesley Hunt gave a delightful performance in the Triad Stage’s production of Bell Book and Candle which featured the lovely costumes of Kelsey Hunt, the expert stage management of Eric Tysinger, and John Wolf’s beautiful lighting. Sam Zachary continues to serve as associate dean at NKU.  John and Barbara Arnold are enjoying retirement in Florida as are David and Lindsey Batcheller in Maryland.  Michael Kamtman continues to teach in the UNCG International Honors College. Marc Williams has been teaching full-time in the College’s online Humanities program this year.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and great New Year.  Do keep in touch--my email is rchansen@uncg.edu.