To the Editor,
We are greatly disappointed that Plymouth State College is losing one of its finest teachers. Dr. Eleanor Congdon of the Social Science Department has been dismissed from her position as Associate Professor and Chair of the Medieval Studies Council.
Dr. Congdon, quite young for her impressive credentials, graduated with a PhD from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. Fortunately for the students of PSC, she returned from her studies to accept a position here. Since she first arrived four years ago, she has made a tremendous impact on many students. Ranging from general education to upper-level history courses, each course is challenging, innovative, and informative. Students often leave her history classes laughing and feeling as though it was time well spent. Through all of this, she manages to keep her classes fair.
Outside of the classroom she always has a line of students at her office door who seek her help, advice, and good conversation. She does not hesitate to put aside her own work for any student’s needs; Dr. Congdon teaches not just the academic, but the whole student.
Her departure will leave several vacancies at PSC. Not only is she the only medievalist in the Social Science Department, she is also the only full-time female history professor. In addition to this, the position of the Director of the Medieval Forum will be left open. Visitors and professor have hailed this years Forum as the best in the history of the Forum. Two years ago Dr. Congdon began the Mini-Medieval Faire for grade school students (as well as PSC students) from around the area in order to introduce them to many cultural aspects of medieval life.
At a time when PSC is trying to enhance its own standing in the academic world, the administration is taking a backwards step. Plymouth is known as being the only New England public college/university that offers a degree in Medieval Studies. Students who otherwise would have gone elsewhere for their higher education have come here for Medieval Studies and remained here because of Dr. Congdon. Her departure not only robs our students of an enriching experience but also contradicts the school’s goal for high academic standards and excellence.