Dean Vermeulen responded to my email, including her notice to the English Department, see below. The good news is that the university intends to continue holding the poetry conference in future years. The administration decided to cancel it in 2015 because of the change of leadership. Dean Vermeulen's response was unenlightening as to Prof. Bridgford's situation. She is unable to discuss that because personnel matters are confidential. As a participant in the conference for seven years, the dean must be aware of Prof. Bridgford's stellar management of it.
Dean's notice to English Department at WCU:
TO: English Department Faculty
FROM: Dr. Lori Vermeulen
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
RE: Poetry Center Leadership
DATE: September 15, 2014
I am writing to share information with you about a change at the WCU Poetry Center. Beginning today, Dr. Kim Bridgford will no longer serve as the Center’s Director.
As we make this transition, please be assured that the University is committed to the long-term success of the Poetry Center and its programs. Therefore, I have launched an administrative review to determine how best to proceed. Input will be sought from members of both the campus and poetry communities. As members of the Department of English, your ideas are very important and I encourage you to share them with me.
Given the timing of this change and the process required to identify the Center’s next director and structure, it is important to consider the status of our signature event; the poetry conference. Thus, I am following the advice of conference co-founder Dana Gioia and placing the event in hiatus for one year while we develop the organization and leadership necessary to assure a thriving conference in June 2016.
As is often the case, reorganization is challenging. However, challenges present opportunities and I am confident that with your help we will fulfill the Poetry Center’s unique mission with new strength and vitality.
Thank you for your commitment to poetry and the Center, and your understanding and support during this transition. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please contact me. I look forward to working with you as we move ahead.
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