English chair resigns, assumes new position

Blake Aued

DM Senior Staff writer

Associate Professor of English Dan Williams is resigning his position as chair of the English Department to take over the newly-created Director of Writing position.

"Dr. Williams has served the department very well for many years," said Glenn Hopkins, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. "I think the department has benefitted greatly from his leadership."

The Director of Writing position was created to replace the position of director of the Freshman Writing Program, formerly held by Professor of English Ben McClelland. The Director of Writing will oversee not only freshman composition classes (English 101 and 102), but also English 321 (Advanced Composition) and possibly have other duties as well, Hopkins said. The duties of the Director of Freshman Writing included only oversight of English 101 and 102 and the writing workshop.

Williams is conducting research in Boston and was unavailable for comment.

Professor of English Ben Fisher, however, speculated that Williams had perhaps "simply worn out" based on his own experience as chair of an English department. Hopkins said that he did not know why Williams chose to resign as chair and accept the new position.

"He came to me to discuss options; he did not indicate to me reasons for resigning," Hopkins said.

Williams's resignation as chair, a position he has held for eight years, is effective July 1st. At that time, Hopkins said that he will appoint an interim chair after consulting with the rest of the English faculty.

McClelland recently resigned as Director of Freshman Writing, and will continue to teach and do research. He will also continue to attend to his duties as Schillig Chair, which include "outreach programs" for high school students and teachers, Hopkins said.

McClelland was also unavailable for comment.