Associate Dean of Academics on chopping block

While no decisions have been finalized, the associate dean of academics has received a letter notifying him that his position has been eliminated for next year.

Dr. John Kascenska received a letter last Thursday notifying him that his position was being eliminated. On Friday, President Carol Moore announced her retirement and turned all employment decisions concerning next year's budget to the Vermont State College system Chancellor Tim Donovan.

Moore has submitted a finalized budget to Donovan for his approval. Donovan has said he will look at all decisions before making them final.

"Nothing has been finalized," said Kascenska. "However, I was given a letter on Thursday."

He said he is working under the assumption that he will not be returning next year. Donovan will be reviewing all decisions involving faculty, staff and administration's jobs.

"He's come in and is reviewing the proposed changes for next year," said Kascenska.

"None of those decisions have been finalized for next year," said Vermont State College Chancellor Tim Donovan Thursday afternoon.

At this point Kascenska will continue to be the associate academic dean until June 30 unless otherwise noted.

"I've been here for 19 years as a faculty and administrator," said Kascenska. "That is a significant amount of my career."

Kascenska graduated from Lyndon in 1982 and returned in 1992 to teach in the mountain recreation department. He is still a part-time member of the department and says he expects to continue teaching in the future.

He says his most immediate plans are to make sure that the college has a good end to the semester.