Former Fels director will keep teaching

Students question future of center After resigning from his position as director of the Fels Center of Government two weeks ago, James Spady agreed last week to teach two final classes in the program this semester. But while students say they are pleased with his decision, many are worried about the future of the Fels Center under new leadership -- despite reassurances from administrators. John Mulhern, lecturer and consultant for the Fels Center, has been appointed acting director of the Center, Campbell announced last week. Spady's resignation came in response to questions about whether he would be allowed to teach both of his scheduled classes this spring, according to Malcom Campbell, interim dean of the Graduate School of Fine Arts. Spady said last week he has been granted permission to teach the two classes. As a result, his resignation will not take final effect until June 30. "There is an irony here, of course, since the dean denying me the right to teach those very courses is the reason I resigned in the first place," Spady said yesterday. Several students made similar observations. "I think the whole thing was a ploy to get Spady to resign," said one student, who requested anonymity. "It's all University politics." According to Spady, his decision to return for the remainder of the semester was due to the overwhelming reaction of the students in his workshops. "Because of students imploring me to teach my courses for the spring, I am back for that limited purpose," he said. Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Lance Rogers, a College senior who has been accepted into the Fels Center program for next year, said delays in Spady's workshops would have affected seniors graduating from the program. Rogers added that the announcement of Spady's resignation caused an uproar in the director's classes. The students responded with one-page "reflections," which ultimately prompted Spady to return. The papers cited the students' disappointment that Spady would be leaving the program, and implored him to return to the Center at least for the remainder of the semester. Several of Spady's students said they felt that they had been cheated and asked Spady to "do what you promised us," according to one paper. Another student encouraged Spady to "flip a finger to the fools and complete the mission." Law Professor Steven Burbank said the University will have a hard time replacing Spady. "Perhaps the best route would not be to replace him -- since that may never be possible -- but to look for a different educational model," he said. But Spady's impending resignation has raised serious questions among students about the future of the program, according to one Fels Center student. Campbell, however, said rumors that the Fels Center may soon be eliminated are unfounded. Students are still concerned, and feel that the lines of communication between themselves and Campbell should have been kept more open. "What can I do?" Campbell asked, in response to these complaints. "I've met with the student representatives privately, but it's very hard to bring the students all together at once." Campbell added that he is very happy that Spady is back and fully involved again.