by Lysa Rivera
Erica Dean-Crawford
As we close this academic year, I would like to take a moment here to honor someone whose impact on our graduate program cannot be overstated — our incredible Graduate Program Coordinator, Erica Dean-Crawford. From managing application cycles to mentoring students and fielding endless questions with kindness and good humor, Erica has been the steadfast heart of our graduate program since 2014. I had the good fortune of working closely with Erica as Director of Graduate Studies, and during those two years I would often hear students refer to her as their “lifeline” and their “the go-to” for pretty much everything. From September to June, it was Erica who was there, ensuring that every student knew where to be and when. Although most of what she does happens behind the scenes, the impacts of her work run deep. It is her insight, tireless support, and strong organization that keeps this large program running smoothly. As Chair, I continue to appreciate Erica’s essential role in department, and I have come to regard her as a deeply caring, thoughtful, and witty woman. It was always Erica who would remind me of a birthday, who would have the forethought to buy cards, and who would lovingly craft homemade gifts for the staff, myself included, on holidays — and sometimes just because. The staff jokingly refer to Erica as “Ms. HGTV” on account of her boundless energy when it comes to decorating our shared spaces. Many folks probably don’t know this, but it was Erica’s tenacity that finally got the College to give the department a manageable bid for what will eventually become a new faculty and staff lounge. And, yes, the lounge shall be named in her honor — placard, epithet, and all. You will be deeply missed, Erica!
Pam Hardman
This year our department also bids farewell to Pam Hardman, an invaluable member of the faculty who has served this department since 1993 when she was hired to provide instructional support for the English Education courses in our curriculum. During her time with us, she also taught a range of courses outside of this area, including a very popular course on 19th Century Women Writers, and courses in Literary Theory, Young Adult Literature, and Linguistics. Prior to writing this, I did some research and learned that during her time here, Pam often taught the same three courses for several consecutive years. For many faculty, this type of repetition can be difficult and stifling: it can lead to burnout. Recalling her teaching evaluations from her previous review, and just knowing what I do from years of anecdotal evidence, it is no secret that Pam is one of our department’s most beloved and respected teachers. I have had dozens of mutual students with Pam and the narrative they share with me is always the same: Students overwhelmingly find her to be an attentive, brilliant, and exceedingly supportive educator. Our English Ed program would not be where it is today without Pam’s dedication, hard work, and capacity to meet students where they are in their learning. Make no mistake about it, though. Pam’s capacity to inspire and teach extends far beyond the classroom. One of four very close siblings, Pam is from Tennessee – and that large family vibe and Southern hospitality shows: she sees herself as one among many and in that capacity she always struck me as someone who put others before herself. She raised her beautiful daughter Alice on her own and, of course, she is the most devoted dog lover I know. Pam has always been a source of inspiration to me: her models of motherhood and mentoring have left their mark on me, and I will forever be grateful and feel fortunate that I got to call her a colleague for all these years. Thank you, Pam! You too will be deeply missed.
