[Plsfaculty] Committee Assignments 2024-2025; Faculty Meeting May 17th

[Melandri, Giovanni - (gmelandri)]

Dear Judy,

Thank you for considering me as the chair of the seminar committee (in which I am happy to serve like in the past two semesters) but I don't think I am the right person for this task considering that I am an assistant professor.
I think there are more qualified and higher ranked professors in the committee to act as chair.

I am happy to discuss this personally with you (at your earliest convenience) and altogether during our next SPLS faculty meeting.

Best,
Giovanni

________________________________
From: Plsfaculty <plsfaculty-bounces at list.cals.arizona.edu> on behalf of Brown, Judith K - (jkbrown) <JBrown at ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 1:32 PM
To: plsfaculty at list.cals.arizona.edu <plsfaculty at list.cals.arizona.edu>
Cc: Stevens, Amanda M - (amanda84) <amanda84 at arizona.edu>; Teres, Kevin K - (kteres) <kteres at arizona.edu>
Subject: [Plsfaculty] Committee Assignments 2024-2025; Faculty Meeting May 17th


Dear all,



As promised, please find the 2024-2025 committee assignments. I tried to assign by request but in some instances, rearrangements were strategic based on anticipated outgoing chair this/next year, as well as considering impending retirements and junior faculty involvement. Thanks to all the committees/Chairs for updating the Guidelines to ensure the smooth workings of our committees.



Monday will be my last day at Interim Director.  I apologize for this disruption to our unit again in such a short time. I appreciate the kind words and understanding so many of you have communicated by text, email, and in person,  after Dean Burgess announced I would step down. As we are aware, the greatest impediment has been the inability of the business office to function effectively, and without support sooner from the administration, and given Leslie’s resignation, continuing as is, would have been untenable for me. Despite working long days, every day, for each of you and SPLS since February 5th, the lack of Admin and Bus Manager support has been challenging beyond what one person can possibly accomplish, and I realized I would be unable to keep up that pace for another three months, or longer, until hirings are possible. I wish i could have made more headway toward achieving business office stability, financial clarity, and equity and fairness (per my talking points in February).  Nonetheless, much progress has been made in all three areas through the combined hard work of the office staff, and the enthusiasm, cooperation, and the support, encouragement of the faculty. These outcomes will become more evident in time.



I am pleased to learn that SPLS will be provided with expert financial support until new hires are possible, with the temporary assignment of Amanda Stevens (amanda84 at arizona.edu) and Kevin Teres (kteres at arizona.edu<mailto:kteres at arizona.edu>). Please consult them with any questions.



Please find the Agenda for the May Faculty meeting, Mario and Lizeth have assured me they will set up the zoom link and prepare the room. Also please find the spreadsheet with enrollment tallies and other notes inserted by those who filled out the form, intended to guide future planning.



Finally, a huge thank you to those of you who supported my efforts and those of the business office during the past three months, and for the opportunity to serve SPLS, if even for this short time. Specifically, to the many faculty and staff who have demonstrated their willing to pitch and step up the plate, I thank you with all my heart. Your collegiality and friendship is greatly valued. With more hard work and persistence, i believe we can look forward to a bright future for SPLS.



Respectfully,



Judy







Judith K. Brown

Regents Professor & Interim Director

School of Plant Sciences

The University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Office: 520-621-1402

Cell: 520-490-2109

Email: jkbrown at arizona.edu<mailto:jkbrown at arizona.edu>


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