Jesionowski, Glick to Leave Yeshiva

Two main cogs in the wheel of academic life at Yeshiva College will not return for the Fall 2004 semester. Yeshiva College Assistant Dean Joyce E. Jesionowski and Director of Academic Advisement Center Nada Glick have informed university administration that they will not be returning next year. While Dean Jesionowski cited personal reasons, Dr. Glick declined comment on her departure.

That Yeshiva is searching for their replacements was confirmed by the appearance of two ads in the classifieds section of The New York Times, Sunday, May 9. The ads tell applicants that the positions are to be filled by August 2004, a month before the start of the fall 2004 semester.

Many students believe that Dean Jesionowski's decision to leave Yeshiva is in large part due to what happened at this year's Arts Festival, where Dr. Jesionowski halted the performance of a play, in keeping with a long standing rule of not allowing men and women to act together on stage. Dr. Jesionowski denied the charge as spurring her departure, and explained that her decision reflected the desire to return to her roots.

"I am a country woman and a city woman. While New York is an unbelievable city, I am starting to feel that it is growing more mundane for me and New York should never be like that," said Dr. Jesionowski. "I enjoyed my stay here immensely and I am not leaving with any sour taste. I am just moving on to a new atmosphere before I realize that it is too late. Had Yeshiva University been in the country, I would not be leaving. But that is not the case."

Dr. Jesionowski has been working in Yeshiva College as the Assistant Dean for six years. She received her B.A. from Michigan State in Humanities and then came to New York to pursue graduate work at Columbia University.

Dean Adler is already placing ads in newspapers to fill the two positions. "Dr. Jesionowski has done a fantastic job and it will be difficult to fill her shoes," said Dean Adler. "I have been in academics and academic administration for almost 40 years and she is one of the most gifted people that I have come across."

In mid April, Vice President for Academic Affairs Mort Lowengrub told The Commentator that he felt confident that a new assistant dean would be in place for next fall.

Dean Adler hopes to have some overlap between Dr. Jesionowski's departure and the beginning of the newly appointed assistant dean's tenure, in the hope that Dr. Jesionowski could familiarize him or her with the intricacies of the job. "I am looking for someone with superb administrative skills as well as an acute sensitivity to academics. The University needs someone to affect the day to day operations of the faculty and the curriculum and to make sure that the college runs smoothly."

Dr. Glick announced her departure soon after the Advisement Center underwent a comprehensive review, in which an outside panel determined that the Center failed to realize its mandate, and recommended wholesale changes. Dr. Glick's departure raises speculation that her departure is not based on her own volition. Dean Adler reflected diplomatically on Dr. Glick's departure, saying, "We are very sad that she is leaving but she feels that it is time to move on. She has made some great contributions to the college and has shown a constant devotion to the faculty and student body."

Dean Adler has already begun the search for someone to fill that position. "I am looking for someone who is compassionate and can relate to students, someone who has superior administrative abilities and can gain the respect of the faculty, and lastly someone who has a sensitivity and restraint for our culture here at Yeshiva."

No candidates have been announced as of now, but Dean Adler has assured the administration that there would be no time in which the position will be void. "In the worst case scenario, we will have someone temporarily hold the position until we are able to make the right choice."