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News Wed Mar 14 2012
Update: Columbia College Still Creating Change
If we look back to two weeks ago, the climate of Columbia College's writing departments was a bit tense (let's say). Neither the Fiction Writing Chair Randy Albers or English department Chair Ken Daley received a renewal of their contract. This was a red flag as prior to this there were talks of integrating their two departments into a new Creative Writing Major.
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, word came down from Louise Love, the college's Vice President of Academic Affairs, that both of the Chairs were asked to renew their contracts (and both accepted). Yet the sword of Damocles still hangs overhead. The talk of changes to their respective departments is still unaddressed. Love also mentioned that decisions regarding their departments, if any, will be made after the academic year has concluded in June.
In a recent Newcity article, Albers seems optimistic about the future of his program, his job, the college and its students. At the Reading Under the Influence event last week, Albers and many other Fiction Writing department faculty were guests. Albers read a piece of creative nonfiction, which detailed his personal journey through the Fiction Writing department. As he feels, it's one that hasn't ended yet.
