2008 Woodie Awards
Masters degree prevails practice
Journalism lecturers ousted for lack of higher academic degree
Mary Ann Georgantopoulos and Derek Hawkins
Issue date: 5/23/07 Section: News
A pair of lecturers from the School of Journalism have followed the fate of four others from the College of Arts and Sciences whose contracts were not renewed by the university last month for not having the highest academic degrees in their field.
Gladys and Lincoln McKie were informed last Thursday that their contracts would only be extended until Dec. 31, said School of Journalism Director Stephen Burgard.
Among the classes potentially affected are "Newsroom Practices," in which students write and contribute to the New England Press Association (NEPA) Bulletin, a journalism trade publication; "Public Relations Principals" and "Critical Thinking about Public Relations Strategies."
Besides her role as the only public relations instructor in the department, Gladys serves as an advisor for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
John LeRoy, a senior journalism major and president of Northeastern's chapter of PRSSA, said most members of the society know Gladys very well as she was always interested in the group.
LeRoy also took classes with Gladys and he said she is responsible for holding together public relations in the journalism department.
"They shouldn't get rid of [Gladys], they should add more people in addition," LeRoy said.
Lacey Green, a journalism major who graduated a few weeks ago and who served as vice president of PRSSA, said Gladys was one of the most dedicated people she had met.
"She never missed a single class. Even when she broke her arm and was in a severe amount of pain, she always made it to class," Green said.
Both Gladys and Lincoln McKie refused comment for this report.
The decision is part of the university's Academic Investment Plan, a push initiated under former Northeastern President Richard Freeland to expand faculty by 100 tenure and tenure-track professors over five years.
"The colleges are interested in having the best faculty that can do the best job in the classrooms and guide and mentor students," Provost Ahmed Abdelal said to The News last month.
Gladys and Lincoln McKie were informed last Thursday that their contracts would only be extended until Dec. 31, said School of Journalism Director Stephen Burgard.
Among the classes potentially affected are "Newsroom Practices," in which students write and contribute to the New England Press Association (NEPA) Bulletin, a journalism trade publication; "Public Relations Principals" and "Critical Thinking about Public Relations Strategies."
Besides her role as the only public relations instructor in the department, Gladys serves as an advisor for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
John LeRoy, a senior journalism major and president of Northeastern's chapter of PRSSA, said most members of the society know Gladys very well as she was always interested in the group.
LeRoy also took classes with Gladys and he said she is responsible for holding together public relations in the journalism department.
"They shouldn't get rid of [Gladys], they should add more people in addition," LeRoy said.
Lacey Green, a journalism major who graduated a few weeks ago and who served as vice president of PRSSA, said Gladys was one of the most dedicated people she had met.
"She never missed a single class. Even when she broke her arm and was in a severe amount of pain, she always made it to class," Green said.
Both Gladys and Lincoln McKie refused comment for this report.
The decision is part of the university's Academic Investment Plan, a push initiated under former Northeastern President Richard Freeland to expand faculty by 100 tenure and tenure-track professors over five years.
"The colleges are interested in having the best faculty that can do the best job in the classrooms and guide and mentor students," Provost Ahmed Abdelal said to The News last month.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
John Guilfoil
posted 5/23/07 @ 3:32 PM EST
Sign the petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Save_Professors_McKie/signatures.html
WestIndianPrincessNU
Truly Blessed
posted 5/30/07 @ 1:45 AM EST
"The colleges are interested in having the best faculty that can do the best job in the classrooms and guide and mentor students," Provost Ahmed Abdelal said to The News last month. (Continued…)
Diploma owner
posted 1/31/08 @ 6:38 AM EST
Of course any college is interested in in having the best faculty, and it is normal. It gives additional aims for students and teachers.
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