Application for Tenure
Dale H. Easley
Fall, 2008
Thank you for reviewing my application for tenure. I have
attempted to provide adequate documentation for your serious
consideration. However, if there is any additional information you
need, I will be glad to provide it, if I am capable. This and
supporting documents are also on my website at http://www.geocities.com/DaleEasley
under the link Professional Things. In addition, the website
has multiple examples of class presentations, fieldtrip photos, and
professional products.
1 Eligibility
I came to the University of Dubuque in January, 2005, from the
University of New Orleans, where I was a faculty member in the
Department of Geology and Geophysics from 1989. I was granted tenure
there in 1993. My experience prior to coming to UD resulted in my
initial contract stating that I would be granted three years
experience toward tenure at UD. Therefore, I have now completed
sufficient time at UD to apply.
Time served is not a sufficient reason for the granting of
tenure. In the attached document entitled "Materials for Evaluation
for Tenure," (also online at
http://www.geocities.com/daleeasley/Profess/Tenure/AssessmentFall2008.html,)
I present the reasons why I believe that I qualify for tenure at UD.
I'd like to also add that I believe that tenure has an important role
in an academic institution. I recognize the fears that it can become
an "on-the-job retirement plan." However, the granting of tenure is
also an institutional recognition that "we want to be together." In
that sense, it is like marriage---a mutual commitment. In a good
marriage, there is trust and continuity, give and take, in sickness
and in health.
At a big state school, I would never present an application for
tenure as a proposal for marriage. However, for better and for worse,
UD is different. It has many of the characteristics of a family, and
being part of a family is certainly a challenge. (Perhaps I should
instead choose the metaphor of being the eccentric uncle.) My family
of origin was not without issues, but I still talk to my mom every
week, visit when I can, encourage my children to spend time with her,
and love her dearly. In fact, I believe that I am better equipped as
a faculty member because of my having spent many years not just on
science but trying to understand my past. UD targets students who
have had a variety of struggles, and I find much in common with them.
I, too, was a first-generational college student. I came from a small
town and went to a small college, and the experience was
life-changing. UD can be a life-changing institution, and I am ready
to commit to being part of it.
2 Vita
My vita is attached and is online at http://www.geocities.com/daleeasley/Webvita.htm.
3 Teaching Evaluations
Each semester at UD, I have asked my students to complete
evaluations of my courses. I have also checked online rating sites to
see what students are saying. In summary, I am a good teacher who is
readily available to students. My classes aren't easy, but they are
fair. The materials I provide them online (e.g., http://www.geocities.com/daleeasley/Physical/Welcome.htm)
are helpful, particularly review guides, presentations (password:
geology), and tests from previous semesters. My teaching evaluations
have been reviewed each year by either John Stewart or Henry Pittman.
Their remarks are at
4 Annual Reviews
I am attaching all the information that I have received from
previous reviews. The annual review submissions are also online at
5 Annual Review Letters of Support
I am attaching review letters by colleagues and VPAA John
Stewart to this document. I have also requested that letters be sent
directly to John Stewart and/or Mark Butler in support of my
application. Letters from the following people are online:
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