Doane has once again asked more of Les.
Les Manns has agreed to serve one more semester as interim vice president of Academic Affairs.
While Manns has adjusted to the new job, President Jonathan Brand and a search committee have been looking at candidates to fill the position.
David Billeaux of Corpus Christi, Texas and John Burney of Des Moines, Iowa have been selected as the two candidates for the position.
Brand said he was currently negotiating with the candidates.
“Either one of the two will be a great fit,” he said.
Brand said he had no idea if Manns would be dean for a semester or for the whole year.
“We knew the odds of filling the position in the middle of the year would be hard,” Brand said. “There was some uncertainty when Les took the position. He knew when he agreed in August (to serve as interim dean) that there was a possibility of doing it for the entire year.”
Manns said he was happy to help out the school.
“There are a lot of good people – faculty, staff, and students – who make it (this job) enjoyable,” he said.
Brand said Manns did well in the position vacated by Maureen Franklin.
“He’s done a terrific job,” Brand said. “He’s filled in ably and wonderfully. It’s really a win either way for us.”
Franklin stepped down earlier this year and has been battling a serious illness, but she said she planned to return to teaching this spring.
Becky Hunke, assistant to the vice president of academic affairs, said Manns was easy to work with.
“He’s definitely different than Maureen, but only because of different personalities,” she said. “They’re both professionals and academics. I just don’t think Maureen is ready to come back in this capacity, so we’ll see which of the two (candidates) they bring in.”
Manns said he has adjusted to his duties over time.
“I would say the first four or five weeks were intense,” Manns said. “I was doing a lot of things I’ve never done. There was a lot of learning.”
Manns said he knew the position was dependent on Franklin’s health but teaching was where his passion was.
“I get to teach a class next semester, so that’s good,” Manns said. “I really miss being in the classroom.”
Be the first to comment on this article!