Maryville College: Budget Cut Practices
Target:
Maryville College Students, Faculty, Staff, & Friends
Sponsored by:
To all concerned friends of Maryville College:
It upsets me terribly to learn of the recent cuts at Maryville College. Among those was 1 of only 2 professors in the Writing/Communications curriculum, Dave Powell.
As many of you know, Dave Powell, an alum himself, was an integral part of the entire community. He was an important part of J-term study abroad trips, the environmental attitude at MC, and he was invaluable asset to Maryville College. After 5 decades with the College, Dave Powell was fired, as his position was considered a "staff" position.
New Dean Fager writes that in tough economic times, colleges like Maryville College can be tempted to "relax standards inside and outside of the classroom." By letting go of one of Maryville College's esteemed professors, that is exactly what Maryville is doing.
Dean Fager also writes, %u201C[i]f Maryville College and its graduates are to truly 'make a difference in the world,' the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide . . ." What educational experience is being enhanced with the loss of a true educator? This petition is to do just that -- hold the administration responsible for cutting one of Maryville's most treasured professors.
Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would. He truly embodied the community spirit and search for wisdom that Maryville College preaches. If we are to keep the community of Maryville College alive and to distinguish it from the corporation-like Universities that teach to "job-training" and ignore the true education abd growth of an individual, we must stand against practices which portray OUR campus as uncaring, unconcerned, and ill-equipped to make the right decisions.
Please sign this petition to show your support for our beloved Maryville College, Dave Powell, and all the others who have recently lost their positions at Maryville College.
It upsets me terribly to learn of the recent cuts at Maryville College. Among those was 1 of only 2 professors in the Writing/Communications curriculum, Dave Powell.
As many of you know, Dave Powell, an alum himself, was an integral part of the entire community. He was an important part of J-term study abroad trips, the environmental attitude at MC, and he was invaluable asset to Maryville College. After 5 decades with the College, Dave Powell was fired, as his position was considered a "staff" position.
New Dean Fager writes that in tough economic times, colleges like Maryville College can be tempted to "relax standards inside and outside of the classroom." By letting go of one of Maryville College's esteemed professors, that is exactly what Maryville is doing.
Dean Fager also writes, %u201C[i]f Maryville College and its graduates are to truly 'make a difference in the world,' the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide . . ." What educational experience is being enhanced with the loss of a true educator? This petition is to do just that -- hold the administration responsible for cutting one of Maryville's most treasured professors.
Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would. He truly embodied the community spirit and search for wisdom that Maryville College preaches. If we are to keep the community of Maryville College alive and to distinguish it from the corporation-like Universities that teach to "job-training" and ignore the true education abd growth of an individual, we must stand against practices which portray OUR campus as uncaring, unconcerned, and ill-equipped to make the right decisions.
Please sign this petition to show your support for our beloved Maryville College, Dave Powell, and all the others who have recently lost their positions at Maryville College.
To all concerned friends of Maryville College:
It upsets me terribly to learn of the recent cuts at Maryville College. Among those was 1 of only 2 professors in the Writing/Communications curriculum, Dave Powell.
As many of you know, Dave Powell, an alum himself, was an integral part of the entire community. He was an important part of J-term study abroad trips, the environmental attitude at MC, and he was invaluable asset to Maryville College. After 5 decades with the College, Dave Powell was fired, as his position was considered a "staff" position.
New Dean Fager writes that in tough economic times, colleges like Maryville College can be tempted to "relax standards inside and outside of the classroom." By letting go of one of Maryville College's esteemed professors, that is exactly what Maryville is doing.
Dean Fager also writes, %u201C[i]f Maryville College and its graduates are to truly 'make a difference in the world,' the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide . . ." What educational experience is being enhanced with the loss of a true educator? This petition is to do just that -- hold the administration responsible for cutting one of Maryville's most treasured professors.
Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would. He truly embodied the community spirit and search for wisdom that Maryville College preaches. If we are to keep the community of Maryville College alive and to distinguish it from the corporation-like Universities that teach to "job-training" and ignore the true education abd growth of an individual, we must stand against practices which portray OUR campus as uncaring, unconcerned, and ill-equipped to make the right decisions.
Please sign this petition to show your support for our beloved Maryville College, Dave Powell, and all the others who have recently lost their positions at Maryville College.
It upsets me terribly to learn of the recent cuts at Maryville College. Among those was 1 of only 2 professors in the Writing/Communications curriculum, Dave Powell.
As many of you know, Dave Powell, an alum himself, was an integral part of the entire community. He was an important part of J-term study abroad trips, the environmental attitude at MC, and he was invaluable asset to Maryville College. After 5 decades with the College, Dave Powell was fired, as his position was considered a "staff" position.
New Dean Fager writes that in tough economic times, colleges like Maryville College can be tempted to "relax standards inside and outside of the classroom." By letting go of one of Maryville College's esteemed professors, that is exactly what Maryville is doing.
Dean Fager also writes, %u201C[i]f Maryville College and its graduates are to truly 'make a difference in the world,' the rigor must be maintained. This means that we (faculty and staff) must be held accountable for the quality of the educational experience that we provide . . ." What educational experience is being enhanced with the loss of a true educator? This petition is to do just that -- hold the administration responsible for cutting one of Maryville's most treasured professors.
Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would. He truly embodied the community spirit and search for wisdom that Maryville College preaches. If we are to keep the community of Maryville College alive and to distinguish it from the corporation-like Universities that teach to "job-training" and ignore the true education abd growth of an individual, we must stand against practices which portray OUR campus as uncaring, unconcerned, and ill-equipped to make the right decisions.
Please sign this petition to show your support for our beloved Maryville College, Dave Powell, and all the others who have recently lost their positions at Maryville College.
We signed the "Maryville College: Budget Cut Practices" petition!
# 569:
8:16 pm PDT, Sep 6,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
This college is disgusting! If you have the money, go somewhere better for your education!
This college is disgusting! If you have the money, go somewhere better for your education!
# 568:
9:05 pm PDT, Sep 5,
William Hughes, Tennessee
# 567:
10:22 am PDT, Jul 27,
April Hawk, Tennessee
# 566:
7:16 pm PDT, Jun 22,
Chris Vollmar, Tennessee
I have know Dave Powell for many, many years and he is a individual who cares for his students and Maryville college. They have lost a fine and caring professor and I think it is the students that will suffer with the lose of his involvement in the school and their lives.
I have know Dave Powell for many, many years and he is a individual who cares for his students and Maryville college. They have lost a fine and caring professor and I think it is the students that will suffer with the lose of his involvement in the school and their lives.
# 565:
11:33 pm PDT, Jun 19,
Ari Kolman, Canada
I’m sickened and disgusted! I’m revolted, repulsed, repelled, offended & appalled! No money for Maryville College from me until this decision is CHANGED! Dave Powell was one of the most amazing people I ever met.
I’m sickened and disgusted! I’m revolted, repulsed, repelled, offended & appalled! No money for Maryville College from me until this decision is CHANGED! Dave Powell was one of the most amazing people I ever met.
# 564:
4:00 am PDT, Jun 16,
Holly Witherspoon, Texas
I was very saddened to hear of Dave Powell's departure from the MC community. He was one of the stand-out professors of MC. It speaks volumes that I still have the collection of works from his creative writing class I took. More and more, MC has lost the feeling of community and is subscribing to a more corporate culture.
I was very saddened to hear of Dave Powell's departure from the MC community. He was one of the stand-out professors of MC. It speaks volumes that I still have the collection of works from his creative writing class I took. More and more, MC has lost the feeling of community and is subscribing to a more corporate culture.
# 563:
3:22 pm PDT, Jun 5,
Afton Hughes, Tennessee
# 562:
5:19 pm PDT, May 30,
Emily Lawson, Kentucky
# 561:
6:17 pm PDT, May 24,
Cameron Presley, Tennessee
# 560:
7:55 pm PDT, May 20,
Nancy Trumbo, Arkansas
I am deeply saddened and stunned by this news. I've had the honor of knowing Mr. Powell for years. As a guest speaker in one of his classes, the thirst for knowledge by his students was obvious. Very few can inspire the way he has. He is a gift to the students and institution. The way this situation was handled is disgusting........which speaks volumes of the current administration.
I am deeply saddened and stunned by this news. I've had the honor of knowing Mr. Powell for years. As a guest speaker in one of his classes, the thirst for knowledge by his students was obvious. Very few can inspire the way he has. He is a gift to the students and institution. The way this situation was handled is disgusting........which speaks volumes of the current administration.
# 559:
4:59 pm PDT, May 15,
Sinder Duncan, Florida
# 558:
12:08 pm PDT, May 15,
Diogo Silva, Brazil
# 557:
10:13 pm PDT, May 14,
Jodi Rose, Tennessee
# 556:
4:10 pm PDT, May 14,
Chip Beasley, Georgia
Way to go, Maryville. You can kiss any money from me goodbye. And shame on you Dean Fager and Susan Schneibel for supporting this decision!
Way to go, Maryville. You can kiss any money from me goodbye. And shame on you Dean Fager and Susan Schneibel for supporting this decision!
# 555:
3:46 pm PDT, May 14,
David Powell, Tennessee
Thank you. To the hundreds of you who have signed the petition, sent letters, discussed the issue on Facebook, visited the dean, president, and board members of Maryville College, and given support: Thank You. I will never be able to thank all of you individually, so this post will have to do. After three weeks of dialogue with various college leaders spearheaded by a core group of people, the original decision has been upheld. A careful reading of entries on this petition site reveals that many concerned individuals recognize that the issue is more than about those of us who have been let go from the college. You seem to understand that the larger issue is not just about the current budget woes, but about the idea of the values of Maryville College as an institution and what Maryville College has always represented, propounded, and upheld. For a reminder of those values, I recommend a rereading of the Statement of Purpose. Your vigorous discussion of the importance of these principles to you personally has been an exercise for the work yet to be done -- especially next year. I encourage you to think of these passionate discussions as a rededication to your support for the college and for the challenge to "search for truth, to work for justice, to develop wisdom, and to become loving persons." One does not buy these qualities with tuition. One pays tuition for the experience of learning how to do these things. Your conscious commitment to the college is what brings Maryville into existence. Maryville College is an idea. If you love the idea, you have to rededicate yourself to it over and over to give it life and meaning. Oh yes, and loving is hard work.
Thank you. To the hundreds of you who have signed the petition, sent letters, discussed the issue on Facebook, visited the dean, president, and board members of Maryville College, and given support: Thank You. I will never be able to thank all of you individually, so this post will have to do. After three weeks of dialogue with various college leaders spearheaded by a core group of people, the original decision has been upheld. A careful reading of entries on this petition site reveals that many concerned individuals recognize that the issue is more than about those of us who have been let go from the college. You seem to understand that the larger issue is not just about the current budget woes, but about the idea of the values of Maryville College as an institution and what Maryville College has always represented, propounded, and upheld. For a reminder of those values, I recommend a rereading of the Statement of Purpose. Your vigorous discussion of the importance of these principles to you personally has been an exercise for the work yet to be done -- especially next year. I encourage you to think of these passionate discussions as a rededication to your support for the college and for the challenge to "search for truth, to work for justice, to develop wisdom, and to become loving persons." One does not buy these qualities with tuition. One pays tuition for the experience of learning how to do these things. Your conscious commitment to the college is what brings Maryville into existence. Maryville College is an idea. If you love the idea, you have to rededicate yourself to it over and over to give it life and meaning. Oh yes, and loving is hard work.
# 554:
12:19 pm PDT, May 14,
Lisa Higginbotham, Tennessee
hm
hm
# 553:
2:26 pm PDT, May 13,
Felishia C Coada, Tennessee
# 552:
3:54 pm PDT, May 12,
WANDA BECKER, Georgia
No money for Maryville College from me until this decision is CHANGED!
No money for Maryville College from me until this decision is CHANGED!
# 551:
1:13 pm PDT, May 12,
Sarah Idrissi, France
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 549:
11:22 am PDT, May 12,
Laura Hutchens, Tennessee
A teacher like Dave Powell only comes along once in a lifetime, don't lose him now. It will take years to recover from losing important faculty.
A teacher like Dave Powell only comes along once in a lifetime, don't lose him now. It will take years to recover from losing important faculty.
# 550:
11:21 am PDT, May 12,
Cattie Thompson, Tennessee
# 548:
7:43 am PDT, May 12,
Misty Newhouse, Tennessee
Look at the difference he has made in so many lives! I am sure there are other ways to cut MC's budget in order to keep him. Think about what you are doing here. Who was your "Dave Powell" in life? How would your life have been if that person were not a part of it? Please do something to change this.
Look at the difference he has made in so many lives! I am sure there are other ways to cut MC's budget in order to keep him. Think about what you are doing here. Who was your "Dave Powell" in life? How would your life have been if that person were not a part of it? Please do something to change this.
# 547:
3:39 am PDT, May 12,
Monica Harley, Tennessee
# 546:
9:41 pm PDT, May 11,
Rena Hoskins, Tennessee
Think of your students and your staff first. There are other ways to cut budgets. All options must be considered before such drastic measures. Please reconsider.
Think of your students and your staff first. There are other ways to cut budgets. All options must be considered before such drastic measures. Please reconsider.
# 545:
8:15 pm PDT, May 11,
Dallas Flint, Virginia
# 544:
6:03 pm PDT, May 11,
V Spence, Tennessee
I heard Dave Powell's voice at the beginning and end of my time at MC, provoking tough thinking and (sometimes unwilling) hilarity. I find it incredible that the college would allow that voice to be silenced amid such welkin-ringing protests. To me, Powell is a symbol as well as a teacher of the dictum to be successful, make a difference. If fiscal concerns trump merit in decision making at Maryville College, I wonder just what "The Marketing of MC" implies.
I heard Dave Powell's voice at the beginning and end of my time at MC, provoking tough thinking and (sometimes unwilling) hilarity. I find it incredible that the college would allow that voice to be silenced amid such welkin-ringing protests. To me, Powell is a symbol as well as a teacher of the dictum to be successful, make a difference. If fiscal concerns trump merit in decision making at Maryville College, I wonder just what "The Marketing of MC" implies.
# 543:
4:07 pm PDT, May 11,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
# 542:
9:38 am PDT, May 11,
Jane Richardson, Tennessee
Comments follow in a day or two.
Comments follow in a day or two.
# 541:
9:46 pm PDT, May 10,
Dave Vinson, Tennessee
I taught at MC in the late 80's, and my son, who is a junior, WAS considering entering the music program there. NO MORE. If this is MC's idea of integrity, we'll have none of it. Call us when you can include evidence that he has been reinstated, you goons.
I taught at MC in the late 80's, and my son, who is a junior, WAS considering entering the music program there. NO MORE. If this is MC's idea of integrity, we'll have none of it. Call us when you can include evidence that he has been reinstated, you goons.
# 540:
8:52 pm PDT, May 10,
Kat Harmon, Florida
# 539:
8:44 pm PDT, May 10,
Morgan Goodman, Tennessee
KEEP DAVE POWELL!! He is a great professor and we need him here on Maryville College campus.
KEEP DAVE POWELL!! He is a great professor and we need him here on Maryville College campus.
# 538:
7:33 pm PDT, May 10,
Jarred Cook, Kentucky
The decisions made by MC the past year have been very disappointing, and while the idea of sending my kids there someday sounded great when I was a student, it's difficult to think of supporting a school that blatantly eliminates "staff" members that represent scholarship, respect and integrity. MC needs to practice what the teach and what they expect out of their students.
The decisions made by MC the past year have been very disappointing, and while the idea of sending my kids there someday sounded great when I was a student, it's difficult to think of supporting a school that blatantly eliminates "staff" members that represent scholarship, respect and integrity. MC needs to practice what the teach and what they expect out of their students.
# 537:
6:22 pm PDT, May 10,
Name not displayed, Arkansas
# 536:
6:20 pm PDT, May 10,
Geoff Joseph, Florida
# 535:
2:08 pm PDT, May 10,
Kathy West, Tennessee
# 534:
9:56 am PDT, May 10,
Robin Morris Hardin, North Carolina
Because of Mr. Powell, I decided to major in English at MC. I went on to earn my MA in English and am now a community college educator and administrator. I owe my career to his vision that I was a worthwhile student. Mr. Powell stands out as the best teacher I have ever known—from kindergarten to graduate school. If MC does layoff this treasured professor, this unfortunate decision will resonate with current students, alumni, and supporters of MC for years to come. Knowing Mr. Powell, he will make the best of this situation and will move on to much, much greener pastures. Robin Morris Hardin, Class of 1993
Because of Mr. Powell, I decided to major in English at MC. I went on to earn my MA in English and am now a community college educator and administrator. I owe my career to his vision that I was a worthwhile student. Mr. Powell stands out as the best teacher I have ever known—from kindergarten to graduate school. If MC does layoff this treasured professor, this unfortunate decision will resonate with current students, alumni, and supporters of MC for years to come. Knowing Mr. Powell, he will make the best of this situation and will move on to much, much greener pastures. Robin Morris Hardin, Class of 1993
# 533:
3:38 pm PDT, May 9,
Somebody Anonymous, Tennessee
Why is anyone surprised about this kind of practice at a school like Maryville College? "Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would." See, that's why he got fired! Given Maryville College's usual practice, it is not surprising at all that they fired another professor who would otherwise be valuable. They don't like anyone who speaks the truth. In order to keep a job there, you have to have no personality and no guts to rock the boat. Get out of that awful place when you can!
Why is anyone surprised about this kind of practice at a school like Maryville College? "Dave Powell spoke for the truth when no one else would." See, that's why he got fired! Given Maryville College's usual practice, it is not surprising at all that they fired another professor who would otherwise be valuable. They don't like anyone who speaks the truth. In order to keep a job there, you have to have no personality and no guts to rock the boat. Get out of that awful place when you can!
# 532:
8:45 pm PDT, May 8,
Rachel Cloud, Tennessee
# 531:
7:39 pm PDT, May 8,
Olivia Stark, South Carolina
# 530:
7:36 pm PDT, May 8,
Darlene Chapman, Tennessee
# 529:
7:31 pm PDT, May 8,
Gretchen Gipson, South Carolina
# 528:
8:23 am PDT, May 8,
Anne Whitver, Tennessee
# 527:
2:56 pm PDT, May 7,
Truman Capote, Florida
A letter from the college arrived on the front porch near my azaleas today, beggin' for a check from little ol' me. Little ol' me laughed and laughed and laughed cuz I ain't giv'n hominy grits to Maryville 'till they reinstate Mista Dave. And then I got to wondering: what has Miss Susan Schneibel been doing to save Mr. Dave's job, hmmmm? Makes me wonder, hon. Because if we find out she was behind any of this, well, Miss Susan's gonna find herself in the briar patch for sure.
A letter from the college arrived on the front porch near my azaleas today, beggin' for a check from little ol' me. Little ol' me laughed and laughed and laughed cuz I ain't giv'n hominy grits to Maryville 'till they reinstate Mista Dave. And then I got to wondering: what has Miss Susan Schneibel been doing to save Mr. Dave's job, hmmmm? Makes me wonder, hon. Because if we find out she was behind any of this, well, Miss Susan's gonna find herself in the briar patch for sure.
# 526:
8:52 am PDT, May 7,
Aaron Jackson, Tennessee
Dave Powell was one of the most amazing people I ever met. He brought a class together like no one I've ever seen. He is the true embodiment of the MC spirit. MC has disappointed me.
Dave Powell was one of the most amazing people I ever met. He brought a class together like no one I've ever seen. He is the true embodiment of the MC spirit. MC has disappointed me.
# 525:
2:16 pm PDT, May 6,
Kelly Rakes, Ohio
Keep Dave Powell!!!
Keep Dave Powell!!!
# 524:
1:40 pm PDT, May 6,
Jami Chapman, South Carolina
I have known David Powell for many years, and the impact he has made in my life is unfathomable. My respect for Maryville College as an institution has rested solely on its employment of educators of Dave's caliber, and with Dave's dismissal (and others like him), my perception of Maryville College's standards and values has plummeted. I find it abhorrent that a man so dedicated to his students' education and well-being has been tossed aside without regard by an institution to which he has given so much for so long. If these are the new tactics of operation by Maryville College, then I can now be counted as one who will fervently market AGAINST enrollment to Maryville College to each and every one of the many of young individuals who daily seek my advice. If Maryville College wishes to retain its prestige and reputation, it will be imperative to reinstate the professors who have provided the heart and soul of the college for decades.
I have known David Powell for many years, and the impact he has made in my life is unfathomable. My respect for Maryville College as an institution has rested solely on its employment of educators of Dave's caliber, and with Dave's dismissal (and others like him), my perception of Maryville College's standards and values has plummeted. I find it abhorrent that a man so dedicated to his students' education and well-being has been tossed aside without regard by an institution to which he has given so much for so long. If these are the new tactics of operation by Maryville College, then I can now be counted as one who will fervently market AGAINST enrollment to Maryville College to each and every one of the many of young individuals who daily seek my advice. If Maryville College wishes to retain its prestige and reputation, it will be imperative to reinstate the professors who have provided the heart and soul of the college for decades.
# 523:
7:23 am PDT, May 6,
Alice Brank, Texas
# 522:
11:25 am PDT, May 5,
Joe Norskov, Tennessee
dave powell is the spirit of liberal arts. in this time of great change at maryville (new building, new academic dean, new admissions dean, new president, et cetera), we must retain some of our history to ensure essential qualities remain. dave powell is an invaluable member of mc's academic community as well as the spirit of maryville. if his presence truly departs campus, so too will part of the soul of my alma mater. there is a shortage of sufficient superlatives that could effectively portray dave powell's contributions to the maryville community. i am deeply saddened that economics are now controlling quality.
dave powell is the spirit of liberal arts. in this time of great change at maryville (new building, new academic dean, new admissions dean, new president, et cetera), we must retain some of our history to ensure essential qualities remain. dave powell is an invaluable member of mc's academic community as well as the spirit of maryville. if his presence truly departs campus, so too will part of the soul of my alma mater. there is a shortage of sufficient superlatives that could effectively portray dave powell's contributions to the maryville community. i am deeply saddened that economics are now controlling quality.
# 521:
8:27 am PDT, May 5,
David Moore, Tennessee
Thank you Dave Powell. You were a huge influence on my MC experience. My respect for you began early on in my first comp class. I appreciate that you were always brutally honest to myself and other students. I know you cared more about MC and the education of it's students then the majority of the people on campus. Thank you again.
Thank you Dave Powell. You were a huge influence on my MC experience. My respect for you began early on in my first comp class. I appreciate that you were always brutally honest to myself and other students. I know you cared more about MC and the education of it's students then the majority of the people on campus. Thank you again.
# 520:
5:17 am PDT, May 5,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
Mr. Powell's passion for literature comes across in a classroom as a challenge to his students to engage with an intensity they might not have before experienced. To let go a faculty member who maintains an awareness of and concern for his students on the deeply personal level that he does is a true loss for the Maryville College community.
Mr. Powell's passion for literature comes across in a classroom as a challenge to his students to engage with an intensity they might not have before experienced. To let go a faculty member who maintains an awareness of and concern for his students on the deeply personal level that he does is a true loss for the Maryville College community.
# 519:
3:42 am PDT, May 5,
ALPHA WI, Germany
# 518:
9:07 pm PDT, May 4,
Katherine Hoffman, Tennessee
As a Theatre major, I can most definitely sympathize with all of Powell's students. I am disappointed with this decision because it limits the education of students in their academic life and more importantly their personal life. I would like the honor of being taught by Professor Powell. For me and other students, don't take this possibility away. Professors with heart--true heart--are a rare find--please value them. Professor Powell is an integral part of the Maryville College Family.
As a Theatre major, I can most definitely sympathize with all of Powell's students. I am disappointed with this decision because it limits the education of students in their academic life and more importantly their personal life. I would like the honor of being taught by Professor Powell. For me and other students, don't take this possibility away. Professors with heart--true heart--are a rare find--please value them. Professor Powell is an integral part of the Maryville College Family.
# 517:
7:20 pm PDT, May 4,
Derek Barton, Kentucky
# 516:
7:09 pm PDT, May 4,
DeJuan Hathaway, Hawaii
David Powell was a very inspirational man, he had a way of even taking the least intellectual student and finding their strengths... ultimately making their strength the lead way to there success. I can actually say Dave Powell did this for me. Know i will graduate in 2 weeks with my Master's Degree..
David Powell was a very inspirational man, he had a way of even taking the least intellectual student and finding their strengths... ultimately making their strength the lead way to there success. I can actually say Dave Powell did this for me. Know i will graduate in 2 weeks with my Master's Degree..
# 515:
3:12 pm PDT, May 4,
Elizabeth Bradford, Tennessee
# 514:
5:58 am PDT, May 4,
Christi Fightmaster, Tennessee
Not Dave Powell! Come on, MC!
Not Dave Powell! Come on, MC!
# 513:
8:10 pm PDT, May 3,
George Corrieri, Tennessee
I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for Dr. Powell! Let him stay!
I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for Dr. Powell! Let him stay!
# 512:
7:34 pm PDT, May 3,
Kara Phillips, Tennessee
# 511:
6:46 pm PDT, May 3,
Rebecca Durbin, Tennessee
# 510:
5:34 pm PDT, May 3,
Susan Woody, Tennessee
# 509:
12:04 pm PDT, May 3,
Name not displayed, Georgia
# 508:
11:04 am PDT, May 3,
Jessica Bivens-Abbott, Tennessee
Mr. Powell was my most favorite part of my MC experience. Not only an instructor in a classroom setting, he was a true mentor and friend. After having four classes under him and as my senior thesis instructor, I truly credit the success I have today as a communications professional to the expertise, professionalism and dedication of Mr. Dave Powell. I cannot think about MC and not think of him. Just yesterday I came across my creative writing binder and (with a tear in my eye) read the poems I had written in that course as well as Dave’s feedback to me. I have a love of writing after that course and learned from him to always embrace the future and not be afraid to speak up for what I believe in, no matter what the cost. The fact that he was fired is not only saddening but also disheartening that MC would make such a decision to let a tenured instructor go when there are others who have come in as new instructors just this year. I am shocked and appalled at this decision, but believe all things happen for a reason. Mr. Powell, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Even if you never teach again, please know that you touched many lives, including my own. With love and prayers, Jessica Bivens-Abbott, Class of 2007
Mr. Powell was my most favorite part of my MC experience. Not only an instructor in a classroom setting, he was a true mentor and friend. After having four classes under him and as my senior thesis instructor, I truly credit the success I have today as a communications professional to the expertise, professionalism and dedication of Mr. Dave Powell. I cannot think about MC and not think of him. Just yesterday I came across my creative writing binder and (with a tear in my eye) read the poems I had written in that course as well as Dave’s feedback to me. I have a love of writing after that course and learned from him to always embrace the future and not be afraid to speak up for what I believe in, no matter what the cost. The fact that he was fired is not only saddening but also disheartening that MC would make such a decision to let a tenured instructor go when there are others who have come in as new instructors just this year. I am shocked and appalled at this decision, but believe all things happen for a reason. Mr. Powell, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Even if you never teach again, please know that you touched many lives, including my own. With love and prayers, Jessica Bivens-Abbott, Class of 2007
# 507:
6:04 am PDT, May 3,
Johnny McCulley, Tennessee
I have work with and along with Dave Powell. He is a " down to earth " person with great sense of what is going on in life. His love of nature and hiking along with the love of " writin " is beyond believe. The MOOSE program stands tall to his outpouring and teaching. The president and board of directors have no clue of what is going in the real world. They sit behind close doors and never open them to see what is happening outside. They let good people go - Dave Powell/Ned Willard - who lived and breathed MC 24/7 and hires coaches to run the college and will never be nothing more than coaches. Used to be a family college with the students and staff at heart, but no more, just a corporation today with no feeling toward their people or students. I were an employee there from early 90's until I were told I could not talk or associate with my fellow workers/staff/ or students.
I have work with and along with Dave Powell. He is a " down to earth " person with great sense of what is going on in life. His love of nature and hiking along with the love of " writin " is beyond believe. The MOOSE program stands tall to his outpouring and teaching. The president and board of directors have no clue of what is going in the real world. They sit behind close doors and never open them to see what is happening outside. They let good people go - Dave Powell/Ned Willard - who lived and breathed MC 24/7 and hires coaches to run the college and will never be nothing more than coaches. Used to be a family college with the students and staff at heart, but no more, just a corporation today with no feeling toward their people or students. I were an employee there from early 90's until I were told I could not talk or associate with my fellow workers/staff/ or students.
# 506:
4:54 pm PDT, May 2,
Kimberly Syphrett, Tennessee
Academic communities have standards. However, Dave Powell was one of the best Maryville College professors in my years there. I transferred out of MC in my senior year as I had begun mentorship at a project of the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia and work with a gentleman who would later run for a congressional seat; but it was my experience in Dave Powell's classroom that made me give a second thought to leaving MC. His concern not only for his students but also the world was an inspiration. His love of language and his ability to instill that love in his students was one of his great gifts. A gift that I feel outshone those of MC faculty who were interested in technical literature and maintenance of the literary canon. There was rigor in his classroom but there was also something else which cannot be taught or learned, yet it is something which can always be valued. I call it, quite simply, love. In fact, I write this letter from the desert after completing years of international travel and being asked by my professional colleagues to write a book for my field. Everyday, I think of Mr. Powell with love. For me he sets the standard for a university teacher.
Academic communities have standards. However, Dave Powell was one of the best Maryville College professors in my years there. I transferred out of MC in my senior year as I had begun mentorship at a project of the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia and work with a gentleman who would later run for a congressional seat; but it was my experience in Dave Powell's classroom that made me give a second thought to leaving MC. His concern not only for his students but also the world was an inspiration. His love of language and his ability to instill that love in his students was one of his great gifts. A gift that I feel outshone those of MC faculty who were interested in technical literature and maintenance of the literary canon. There was rigor in his classroom but there was also something else which cannot be taught or learned, yet it is something which can always be valued. I call it, quite simply, love. In fact, I write this letter from the desert after completing years of international travel and being asked by my professional colleagues to write a book for my field. Everyday, I think of Mr. Powell with love. For me he sets the standard for a university teacher.
# 505:
2:45 pm PDT, May 2,
Claire Stancampiano, New York
Bravo MC! Your decision to lay off a brilliant professor will motivate underclassmen to spend their tuition dollars at other schools AND insure that alumni will donate their money elsewhere. What an ingenious way to cut costs!
Bravo MC! Your decision to lay off a brilliant professor will motivate underclassmen to spend their tuition dollars at other schools AND insure that alumni will donate their money elsewhere. What an ingenious way to cut costs!
# 504:
9:26 am PDT, May 2,
Donnie Floyd, Tennessee
# 503:
7:32 am PDT, May 2,
Austin Whitver, Alabama
This makes me so frustrated. Dave Powell is one of the main reasons that I am now pursuing a PhD in English Literature. I know he is a polarizing figure and he rubbed some people the wrong way, but he was/is one of the most remarkable and inspirational teachers I have ever encountered and he has done so much for the college. Firing him is a mistake because of his gifts inside and outside the classroom and an insult to his decades of service to the college.
This makes me so frustrated. Dave Powell is one of the main reasons that I am now pursuing a PhD in English Literature. I know he is a polarizing figure and he rubbed some people the wrong way, but he was/is one of the most remarkable and inspirational teachers I have ever encountered and he has done so much for the college. Firing him is a mistake because of his gifts inside and outside the classroom and an insult to his decades of service to the college.
# 502:
5:41 am PDT, May 2,
Elias Smith, Tennessee
# 501:
4:54 am PDT, May 2,
Sharon Coffin, Massachusetts
