After six years of service, Dean of the Faculty and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Michael Drompp has decided to step down, effective July 1, to re-focus his energies on two of his favorite activities—teaching and research.
“Michael has served admirably and capably in this position, and his leadership will be greatly missed,” says Rhodes College President William E. Troutt. “His gifts for listening carefully and acting compassionately and thoughtfully have served our entire community so well. We are fortunate that we will continue to benefit from his teacher-scholar talents in the years to come.”
Drompp cites his office’s support of faculty as one of the most important aspects of his experience as dean. “I have always been happiest when I could provide resources for faculty to do their work, and then to celebrate their accomplishments. This is, to my mind, one of the most meaningful ways in which to maintain a strong and dynamic academic program,” he says.
Interdisciplinary programs, mentorship programs in teaching and scholarship for new faculty, faculty diversity, policy changes benefitting Rhodes′ LGBT community, and increased resources for faculty professional development are just a few of the initiatives driven by the Office of Academic Affairs under Drompp’s leadership. “Serving as Dean of the Faculty has been an extraordinary opportunity and one that I am very grateful to have had,” he says.