Montage The
St. Louis Community College–Meramec
APRIL 22, 2010 Vol. 45 Issue 14
5 IS THERE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?
After the resignation of campus President Paul Pai, some are left wondering about the future of the leadership on campus
Child Care Center car wash
Students who use the child care services raise money for struggling parents
7
Knowing the exquisite vagina Dare to read it
8-9 Battling the elements
A history of natural disasters in the St. Louis region
Montage Reader Poll Where do you like to eat in between classes?
Carlos Restrepo - Editor in Chief -
On March 2, Paul Pai, president of the STLCCMeramec campus, announced to his staff that Stephen Petersen, vice president of student affairs, was no longer with the college because Pai had made the decision, approved by the chancellor, to not renew Petersen’s contract. Student members of organizations and the Student Governance Council protested this decision. Also, representatives from faculty organizations such as the National Educators Association questioned the decision and criticized
the lack of communication between administrators and faculty. Nearly a month later, on March 31, Pai announced his resignation. “This morning, I tendered my resignation as Campus President to Chancellor Zelema Harris effective July 1, 2010,” Pai said in an e-mail sent to all staff. The email, however, did not address the Petersen issue, nor did it show signs of regret for this decision. “During my last annual performance appraisal with Dr. Harris, she asked me to stay many more years,” Pai said. “I stated that even though
I love our students, faculty and staff, my destination is somewhere else. It is time for me to pursue another direction.” Ever since his resignation, Pai has not returned calls from The Montage, nor was his secretary able to say when he would be in his office or schedule an appointment with him. In his official job description, George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs, must fill in for the president as acting president. Wasson confirmed that Pai was no longer performing his presidential responsibilities. He said Pai
has been reassigned to duties in the workforce development area at the Cosand Center. “This is why I am assuming the responsibilities [of the president] because now in his absence I will lead the college until the board of trustees appoints a new interim president.” Wasson also said that in spite of the difficulties the college is going through right now, he sees this time as a time of opportunity.
Wasson’s vision of the future at Meramec Continued on page 3
A
C
B
A. Cafeteria on campus B. A restaurant off campus C. Bring food from home
May 6 Poll Question
Would you sign the petition to reinstate Petersen as VP of student affairs? To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com