EC faculty members get their jobs back, Mella leaves Communications

By Anna Hansen

August 1, 2020

Edgewood’s Board of Trustees has reinstated seven faculty members who were terminated by the college May 27.

This decision comes following the appeals of Ethnic Studies and English Professor Huining Ouyang, English Professor Susan Rustick, and Communications Studies Professor Bonnie Sierlecki, three of the terminated faculty. The other four terminated faculty members chose to remain anonymous.

On another front, Kelly Mella, chair and associate professor of Communication Studies, is resigning from her position to take a job at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.

Mella, who will be director of marketing and communication for the Department of Surgery as of Aug. 3, has been at Edgewood since 2006.

Edgewood President Andrew Manion told OTE that he is grateful for the work done by the Board of Trustees as well as the Academic Rank Committee on the terminations.

“It is clear that the Board of Trustees did a very thorough job in reviewing the appeals, as had the Academic Rank Committee before them,” said Manion.

“I look forward to turning our attention toward the future as we strengthen our position, prepare for our return to campus amidst a global pandemic, and address the pressing concern of racism in our community.”

Rustick echoed these sentiments, telling OTE that she respected and appreciated “the dedication and integrity of the members of the Board, and in this particular case, their speedy and insightful handling of a regrettable matter.”

In its letter, the board said its decision to rescind the terminations was solely based upon the need to review the current academic structure more comprehensively.

The board also said that it did not agree with the findings of the Academic Rank Committee or the American Association of University Professors in their concerns regarding the college’s declaration of financial exigency.

Sierlecki said that she had been informed of the decision by a reporter for the Capitol Times rather than an Edgewood representative.

“I honestly cannot think of a time that I’ve been treated with more disrespect and lack of compassion,” said Sierlecki, “despite being the one who was wronged.”

Ouyang said she felt triumphant at the outcome of her case.

“Despite everything, I feel that a gross injustice has been rectified, intentionally or not,” said Ouyang in an email to faculty. “and that justice has prevailed this July at Edgewood.”

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