By Jenny Blake
Daily Bruin Contributor
After her unexpected announcement of resignation Friday, Brenda
Stevenson decided Monday to remain as history department chair
until the end of her term on June 30.
Dean of Social Sciences Scott Waugh announced Monday afternoon,
Stevenson’s decision to stay in a letter to the history
department:
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Brenda
Stevenson has decided to stay on as chair,” Waugh stated.
“She has my complete and enthusiastic support and I ask all
of the faculty, staff, and students to assist her in running the
department for the next five months.”
Waugh acknowledged that important issues need to be addressed,
and said he’s confident they will be resolved.
“I will give Brenda any assistance necessary in
maintaining the extraordinary quality of the department, a goal to
which she has been steadfastly committed,” Waugh said.
Stevenson, who was not immediately available for comment Monday,
had excused herself after a faculty discussion during the
department’s weekly meeting Friday. Several minutes later,
Waugh entered, notifying those present about Stevenson’s
announcement of resignation.
University spokesman Harlan Lebo said Friday that Stevenson was
reconsidering her position after the department meeting.
Waugh received a large response from students and faculty
Monday, expressing their desire for Stevenson to remain as
chair.
“An overwhelming number of faculty have expressed to me
their desire that Brenda remain as chair,” Waugh stated.
“Her accomplishments thus far, including the appointment and
promotion of outstanding faculty and the recruitment of excellent
graduate students, demonstrate that the department has been in good
hands.”
The department is working through several issues, some of which
were raised in a Letter of Concern signed by 109 graduate students
last week which was submitted to Stevenson and other top
administrators.
The letter addressed graduate student concerns regarding the
“hostile and distrustful atmosphere” of the department,
reduced teaching assistant resources and the recent resignation of
graduate student advisor Shela Patel.
“Our concerns were directed at the negative work
environment and the series of policy changes detrimental to
graduate students,” graduate student Megan Barnhart said
Saturday.
The letter was not a direct result of Stevenson’s actions,
Barnhart said, but rather, other administrators within the
department.