I am writing this letter as both a Scripps alumna and as a supporter of Professor Bill Reader. To me, Bill was more than just a professor - he was a friend, inspiration and mentor. He guided me through my academic career with patience, care and even some constructive criticism when I needed it. He urged me to be my best, to strive for excellence and helped me hone the skills that I now utilize to earn my livelihood.
It is for all the reasons above, and so many countless others, that I urge President McDavis to grant the full tenure of Professor Bill Reader. It is my earnest plea that others are not deprived of the good fortune of knowing this man and learning under his guidance. I entered Scripps as a freshman with high hopes, loads of ambition and a humble bit of talent that had earned me the right to be called a member of the Scripps Class of 2006. To say that I was, at times, completely underwhelmed by the staff at my prestigious school is an understatement. Unfortunately, my desire to learn was malnourished with boring lectures, rudimentary assignments and uninspiring professors. The vast majority of my freshman year was spent detesting the education I had so fervently desired.
Fortunately, for me, Scripps was redeemed by one professor who was always inspiring, attentive and engaging. That professor was Bill Reader. In one class with Bill, I found someone who made me want to learn, someone who was willing to scrutinize my work and someone who would really make me work for an A. Bill applauded my strengths, but paid attention to my weaknesses as well, and forced me to meet them head on. He refined my skills, and helped me through the trying process of converting weaknesses into strengths.
I worked harder in that news editing course than I did in any other class of my freshman year, and by the end of it, my mind was set on one thought: If there was ever a person I wanted to guide me through my academic career, it was Bill. To that end, the necessary arrangements were made. I contacted the guidance office to end my arranged advisory relationship with the professor to whom I was first assigned, and was happily placed as one of Bill's advisees.
Over the next four years, I took as many courses as Bill taught. Though we have different political stances, I enjoyed picking his brain during the 2004 election. I found his insight thought provoking and direct. Though his beliefs are very different from my own, he was never disrespectful of my opinions, and was always eager to hear what I had to say.
I benefited more from my relationship with Bill Reader that I had any right. I am of the belief that relationships should be reciprocal, and I took so much more from ours than I could hope to have given him in a lifetime. What Bill taught me in the classroom is invaluable to me as a working professional, but what he taught me as my friend is something I will value for all my life.
It is with certainty that I say many of my peers feel just as strongly about this matter, about this professor, as I do. In the matter of whether or not Bill Reader is collegial enough to be granted tenure, I would like to ask that President McDavis consider a more important question. Is collegiality more important than the success of OU's students? Listen to those affected most by this decision. Grant the full tenure of Bill Reader and ensure that Scripps students will learn from the finest for many years to come.
Megan Metz Kephart is a 2006 graduate of Ohio University.
4 Opinion
Letter to the Editor
