Dianne Lynch’s announcement that she will be leaving her position as dean of the Roy H. Park School to take over as president of Stephens College shocked students, faculty and staff of the Park School last week. In the aftermath of her decision, the administration is left with the nearly impossible task of filling her very big, red shoes. And, they must do this before her contract runs out June 1.

According to Kathleen Rountree, provost and vice president of academic affairs, faculty and staff have been asked to send their thoughts on whom they might like to be named interim dean. These voices are crucial to the process, and it is encouraging to know that they will be heard when it is time to make a decision, but the administration is leaving out the most important voices at the Park School, and one that Lynch has always acknowledged — the students.

Though the interim dean will only fill the position temporarily, it is a crucial year in terms of the college’s economic state. Whoever is asked to take the reigns of the Park School will have to make difficult decisions involving job cuts and loss of student programming, both things that will have a huge impact on the educational experience offered to students. The new interim dean should be someone who has had direct contact with the student body and understands and loves what makes Park unique and marketable. In light of the new integrative learning initiative, he or she should also value and promote the same creativity and flexibility that Lynch did.

Lynch will be missed and difficult to replace, which is why now more than ever the school needs to show a unified front in its decision. The administration is urged to allow Park students to have a say in this decision because it directly affects their education. Even though their opinions were not solicited, students are encouraged to e-mail their suggestions and concerns to Rountree at provost@ithaca.edu.