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Number of new professors increases

Jason Neidleman, a new instructor in political science works out daily with the men's soccer team. Dr Neidleman is one of 24 new faculty members at La Verne this year. / photo by Raúl Mena
Jason Neidleman, a new instructor in political science works out daily with the men’s soccer team. Neidleman is one of 24 new faculty members at La Verne this year. / photo by Raúl Mena

by Tom Galaraga
Managing Editor

The University of La Verne has more than 29 new professors who started this month, replacing faculty members who have left.

“Every time we hire someone, the professor has an effect,” said John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The impact on the colleagues is strong, and on the students as well.”

The number of new faculty hired includes those who will only serve as temporary staffers, hired for a single year’s position as well as those who are permanent additions.

Faculty members who were hired for only the academic year will have the option of reapplying for their respective positions.

Gingrich said that although the number of newly hired faculty is the highest that ULV has ever seen, students’ education will not be adversely affected.

The reasons for faculty members leaving vary from less competitive salaries, not enough time to conduct research and personal reasons. However, Gingrich said that the University still has a lot to offer incoming professors.

Terry Boesel, associate professor of movement and sports science and men’s basketball coach, worked for the University from 1995 to 1998, then left to coach at UC San Diego and returned this year. He said, “La Verne allows a person to balance family and work so much better. My children are getting more and more involved with school activities and athletics. And being here will allow me to attend a lot more of these activities.”

“I think the changes that have occurred over the past three years have been real positive,” Boesel said.

“That contact between students and teachers is what they [new professors] want,” said Gingrich. “One thing is that we put an emphasis on teaching, that is where most of the energy will go.”

Gingrich said it is this dynamic that attracts new professors to ULV.

Although not as much energy here is devoted to research as at a state school, professors attracted to ULV appreciate the small classrooms and student-teacher relationships.

Although issues of inadequate salaries have arisen in the past few years, Gingrich said, “with salaries we are more competitive than before, but we aren’t where we would like to be. I wish we could be $5,000-$10,000 more [per year] than where we are.”

“I would need a $30,000-$40,000 raise to compensate for how much less expensive it is in Nebraska to buy a house. California is so out of control for people, it’s hard to buy a home and start a family,” said former Associate Professor of History James LeSueur before leaving in the spring.

Gingrich said to meet the $5-10,000 extra endowment, an increase in tuition, acceptance of more students and a cut back on the amount of financial aid offered would have to occur.

“It’s always a balancing act,” said Gingrich.

Tom Galaraga, Assistant Managing Editor
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