by Erika Murphy
Hundreds of applicants have whittled down to three candidates who pursue a single position, that of English professor in 18th Century British literature. Not only are the numbers daunting, but the man whose position they’ll replace has left high expectations. Dr. Herman Asarnow is beloved for his vivacity and wisdom, and his presence is still tangibly missed. Yet, students are excited for who is to come; especially those who’ve considered becoming a professor themselves have a rare opportunity to witness and take part in the hiring process.
Each candidate takes part in three official interviews, with the Provost, Dr. Thomas G. Greene, with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Michael F. Andrews, and with the English professors. The candidates are asked about their scholarship, teaching, and service. The selected candidate will be expected to perform well in these three duties, particularly in accordance with the university mission. Students and professors of all disciplines then gather again for a teaching presentation. Amassed around a single table, our professors form an impressive, if not intimidating, group. They become eager pupils, whose banter before the presentation gives way to thoughtful and earnest comments during. The aim is to mimic the classroom environment to evaluate the candidate’s efficacy. For the exceptional candidates, humor and gentle promptings of students indicate an ease that ripples to all in the room, a room that could easily turn tense if not for the lighthearted approach of our own professors.
Time with students is an especially valued element of the day. During a fireside chat, students share in coffee and open dialogue. Candidates are passionate about the work they’ll do with undergraduates, and as such, students are essential in determining whether our university is the right university. After all, an uprooting of home and self is a decision that ultimately can’t be made in a boardroom. Candidates are interested in the presence of faith on our religious campus, the camaraderie among students and with faculty, and Portland itself. Their questions are not unlike those of prospective students. In this way, candidates and students share in the common experience of finding one’s footing in new territory. Through spontaneous interaction, unscripted and true, the selection becomes less an answer to the brutal, “Are you good enough?” and more a reciprocated choice. Fit is a mutual sensation. The day is designed to find whether such a feeling exists. Our professors make the decision, in some sense, conjointly with the candidate, comfort being crucial to success.
In a field that constantly reminds itself of its shrinking scope, it’s refreshing to find articulate doctorates who make us laugh and give us pause to think, who have placed confidence in current passions over future prospects. They’ve followed a love of English literature through what can be an arduous process; the department looks forward to offering a long-awaited and well-deserved resting perch to one fortunate individual.
If you’d like to learn more, share in the hiring process! Two candidate visits remain:
- Monday, February 23
- Teaching presentation: 10:10-11:05 a.m, Murphy Room (4th floor of Franz Hall)
- Fireside chat: 3:00-3:45 p.m, Bauccio Commons
- Friday, February 27
- Teaching presentation: 10:10-11:05 a.m, Murphy Room (4th floor of Franz Hall)
- Fireside chat: 2:00-2:50 p.m, Bauccio Commons