I'm sure few of us missed the recent uproar when Dartmouth was ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in the "Best Professors" category. The administration boldly advertised this fact to students, parents and alums -- hoping, no doubt, that the news would lead to a wave of fervent support and monetary donations.
Well, as I prepare to graduate and look back on the 26 professors I've taken classes with in the last four years, I can say that I've had some pretty crappy ones. Crappy visiting professors, crappy assistant professors, crappy associate professors. And crappy professors with a nice acknowledgment called tenure that ensures they will continue being crappy professors at Dartmouth -- without fear of being fired -- until they die.
On the other hand, I have had some truly great professors in my time here. Five of those 26 have been so outstanding that they almost outweigh the fact that I'd classify six of the other 21 as horrible.
We've all had some of these great professors. Professors so dynamic that even the most apathetic student is taken in by their enthusiasm. Professors so brilliant that you wonder how any one person could ever possess so much knowledge. Professors for whom you want to go to class, for whom you strive to do well because you want them to be impressed by you.
As bitter as I am about much of my Dartmouth experience, I can honestly say that these five amazing professors have made my time here worthwhile. I always felt that these professors, unlike many others (or, even more unthinkably, the administration), wanted what was best for me. Long after I have forgotten much of these last four years, I will remember these five fantastic people, and will be grateful to them for what they have taught me. My Dartmouth experience was a richer one because of them, and Dartmouth is a better place because they are here.
Well, I just found out that one of these five incredible people was denied tenure, and I am utterly dumbfounded. Of all the mediocre, not very good and downright BAD professors employed by the college, the administration has chosen to let one go whom I consider to rank among the very best. Apparently he hasn't published the requisite number of journal articles that his department arbitrarily requires. I wonder why. Perhaps he was too busy TEACHING, heaven forbid.
So maybe the world at large would have benefited if he had chosen to write more and teach less. But is that what makes a "good" professor? As a student who has taken two of his classes (I would have taken three if the department hadn't canceled one because he wasn't publishing frequently enough), I want to know why my education isn't important to Dartmouth. Rather than imparting his knowledge to the world at large, this professor has spent his time (and done a damn fine job of it) imparting his knowledge to his students. I should think this would be what the college would want from him.
I spoke to this professor shortly after hearing of the College's decision, and he told me, "You know, Tuni, after spending seven years being screwed by the administration, it was almost a relief when I heard the news." So I guess the administration got what they wanted, though I'm dying to see how they manage to find someone even remotely comparable to take his place. But then I guess that isn't important to be ranked #1 in the "Best Professors" category.
Best of luck, Tom Nichols. Dartmouth will be a worse place without you. And as for those monetary donations, I pity the poor student who gets elected to call me asking how much I would like to pledge.
