After serving for a little over two years as the chair for the Department of Policy, Organizational, & Leadership Studies, Chris McGinley EDU'81 will be moving back to life as a full-time faculty member and back to his role as coordinator of Educational Leadership and Policy.
"It's time in my career to get back to teaching," said McGinley. "I am very happy to be getting back to my role as coordinator of Educational Leadership and Policy and I'm looking forward to going back to full-time faculty and teaching more classes," said McGinley.
McGinley's proudest accomplishments as chairperson included helping doctoral students get across the finish line. As chairperson, he was able to help move EdD students along to closure successfully. Also, McGinley is proud of the recent program redesign of Adult and Organizational Development to Advocacy and Organizational Development. He's happy that the program is more community-facing combined with advocacy.
Renée Tobin will be staying on as chair of Psychological Studies in Education after two years as Chair and will be stepping in as chair for Policy, Organizational, & Leadership Studies.
Tobin was nominated to serve as interim chair for POLS. "When I'm asked to serve I say yes," said Tobin. In the midst of a pandemic and a crisis, Tobin felt that it was time to step up and do what needed to be done.
"My goal is to keep the trains moving and make sure that there's good communication within the department and through the department, outside the department, and really maximize how well the programs are functioning within POLS to support the students, faculty and staff," said Tobin.
As chair of PSE and POLS, Tobin is looking forward to implementing an open-door policy for faculty, staff and students. Tobin will have a weekly open office hour and by appointment starting next week. For now, the appointments will be virtual via Zoom.
"I want people to know that there is a set time and that I am available," said Tobin. "This is a time of turmoil and we need to be more available during this time and I encourage students to come and talk to me," added Tobin.