An Announcement

Today I announced to my students and colleagues (and you) that I have accepted a position at Oklahoma State University.

I have known for a while but did not want to disrupt learning nor draw attention to myself; however, a vacancy was posted on the school website today and chatter began.

I first announced to my students who were quiet until one boy said, “Dr. Donovan, you got a promotion? Congratulations!” Then, there was applause. Another student said, “Well, so much for doctor, now you are Professor Donovan.” It will be years before I earn tenure and then more for full professor, but, yes, this is an honor, and the students’ enthusiasm was sweet.

Below is the letter I sent to the faculty and staff at the school. Of course, I could not say, do not yet have the words to say how this decision will impact my heart, but I do know that I am going to a place with people who value who I am and what I do, people who will help me better serve our profession, teachers, and the students and families who depend on us. Thank you, Jenn Sanders, Shelbie Witte, Adam Crawley, Sheri Vasinda, Suzii Parsons, Robin Fuxa, Erin Dyke, and Shanedra Nowell for welcoming me to OSU.