Brick paths and blackboards bear chalked evidence of Ohio University students’ resentment after a popular professor was denied tenure.
Hogan Sherrow, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology, learned in November his application for tenure had been denied, largely because of what the Promotion and Tenure Committee considered inadequate levels of research.
“I was really surprised,” Sherrow said. “It was completely unexpected.”
However, he’s not giving up — and neither are his students.
Sherrow, who currently makes $60,218, is appealing the decision, saying the Department of Sociology and Anthropology did not give full consideration to his tenure application. In a letter to the committee members, he said they did not fairly examine the research he has done or take into account multiple recommendations for his work from experts in his field.
The committee responded to his appeal, citing other problems its members identified with his performance, including failure to suggest new courses and to participate in student advising when he was required to do so. The response also emphasized the committee’s concern about the level and amount of research Sherrow has conducted.
“Failure to achieve this level of research requires a negative vote regardless of the evaluation on other tenure and promotion criteria,” the committee’s response stated.
Candidates offered the tenure track — as Sherrow was in 2007 — serve a probationary period of seven years. Near the end of that period, they go through the process of applying for tenure. At the end of 2012, Sherrow was told the committee had rejected his application.
“They will deliberate,” Sherrow said. “However, if the appeal gets denied, then I will serve my penultimate year and will have to leave the university.”
Originally, 10 members of the 16-person committee voted against granting tenure for Sherrow. After a lengthy deliberation following his appeal, there was a second vote, and 11 members voted against tenure.
Department Chairwoman Laurie Hatch said she is not allowed to comment because the appeal case is ongoing.
Some students said they were shocked about Sherrow’s tenure denial, adding that his personable attitude in classes reflects his passion for anthropology.
“I feel like there are so many professors that I’ve had who didn’t remotely have the same amount of passion for their course like Dr. Sherrow,” said Kiersten Ursetti, a sophomore studying communication. “You can always count on seeing a smiling face on him whenever he walks through the door, no matter what type of morning he had.”
Members of OU’s Anthropology Club tabled outside of Baker University Center upon hearing Sherrow was denied tenure. Chalkboards and sidewalks were christened with slogans such as “Save Sherrow” and “Support Dr. Sherrow.”
“I don’t think I would have the courage to pursue my career if it weren’t for Dr. Sherrow,” said Crystal Reedy, a senior studying anthropology. “He provides endless support.… .We’re appalled by the decision.”
A Change.org petition was launched to urge OU administrators such as President Roderick McDavis and Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit to overturn the tenure denial.
As of Tuesday evening, 584 people had “signed” the online petition.
“(The students) contacted me out of respect and let me know that they were currently petitioning for me to stay,” Sherrow said. “I am honestly very touched.”
hy135010@ohiou.edu
