Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: News
Stetson makes sudden departure
Admit dean moves resignation up to fall, gives little explanation
Jared Miller
In an abrupt turn, Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson has announced that he has resigned from his post, effective immediately.
He has been replaced on an interim basis by Eric Kaplan, who served as the Dean of Admissions at Lehigh University from 2003 to 2006.
Stetson had originally announced in July that he would leave the University after 29 years of service effective June 30, after the next academic year.
He released a brief statement yesterday that offered little explanation for the decision:
"Having announced my impending retirement earlier in the summer, I now recognize that it is in the University's, and my own best interest, to step down immediately, before the commencement of the fall semester. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve this wonderful University for the past three decades."
Stetson's office said he was traveling and could not be reached for comment.
University spokeswoman Lori Doyle said she had no further information about the reasons behind his decision.
University President Amy Gutmann would also not speak about the details behind Stetson's resignation, but she did say that Kaplan would stay on as interim dean through the end of this academic year.
A search committee headed by Gutmann and Provost Ron Daniels has been formed, but it has yet to meet.
Gutmann did not give a timeline for the selection of a permanent replacement.
Stetson's sudden change of heart is an unexpected turn for a man who has received high praise for his success in expanding recruitment beyond the Northeast to destinations both nationally and internationally.
As recently as Tuesday morning, he had given no indication in a DP interview that he would resign sooner than he had previously announced. "I'm not upset about anything," he said at the time. "After 30 years of this position, I've decided I'd like to try other venues, and that's what I'm planning to do."
He also said he had been approached by individuals about consulting in the international arena or possibly doing additional admissions speaking. It is unclear whether he still plans to pursue those options.
He has been replaced on an interim basis by Eric Kaplan, who served as the Dean of Admissions at Lehigh University from 2003 to 2006.
Stetson had originally announced in July that he would leave the University after 29 years of service effective June 30, after the next academic year.
He released a brief statement yesterday that offered little explanation for the decision:
"Having announced my impending retirement earlier in the summer, I now recognize that it is in the University's, and my own best interest, to step down immediately, before the commencement of the fall semester. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve this wonderful University for the past three decades."
Stetson's office said he was traveling and could not be reached for comment.
University spokeswoman Lori Doyle said she had no further information about the reasons behind his decision.
University President Amy Gutmann would also not speak about the details behind Stetson's resignation, but she did say that Kaplan would stay on as interim dean through the end of this academic year.
A search committee headed by Gutmann and Provost Ron Daniels has been formed, but it has yet to meet.
Gutmann did not give a timeline for the selection of a permanent replacement.
Stetson's sudden change of heart is an unexpected turn for a man who has received high praise for his success in expanding recruitment beyond the Northeast to destinations both nationally and internationally.
As recently as Tuesday morning, he had given no indication in a DP interview that he would resign sooner than he had previously announced. "I'm not upset about anything," he said at the time. "After 30 years of this position, I've decided I'd like to try other venues, and that's what I'm planning to do."
He also said he had been approached by individuals about consulting in the international arena or possibly doing additional admissions speaking. It is unclear whether he still plans to pursue those options.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 24
Alum
posted 8/30/07 @ 2:57 PM EST
"In an abrupt turn, Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson has announced that he has resigned from his post, effective immediately."
"He released a brief statement yesterday that offered little explanation for the decision:"
"Stetson's office said he was traveling and could not be reached for comment. (Continued…)
smaczko
posted 8/31/07 @ 1:36 PM EST
Maybe he was pushed. There's been a lot of that going on at Penn over the last decade. No reason required.
partial observer
posted 8/31/07 @ 3:22 PM EST
Whatever the reason, this can't be good:
* Grave medical prognosis for Stetson
* Silent coup/hatchet job, hurtling one of the most public-facing University offices into an abrupt leadership shift with absolutely zero transition plan
* Fending off imminent scandal
It feels odd to say this, but I really hope that in a year we'll hear something along the lines of how Stetson successfully fought back cancer, or some other life-threatening condition. (Continued…)
orangecrush
posted 8/31/07 @ 9:59 PM EST
Will the real story come out.... that's up to you, DP, can't wait to read it.
polo
posted 9/01/07 @ 1:14 AM EST
Does anyone even know the true story behind how the admissions office really works?
29 years is a long standing reign as dean of admissions. Change is not always a bad thing, even after 29 years. (Continued…)
Alumni
posted 9/01/07 @ 6:50 AM EST
No one should be allowed to remain in the same position for 29 years; change is good and healthy for an individual and the organization. Furthermore, giving more than a year's notice is excessive and results in a lame duck period that is simply too long. (Continued…)
Pennrant
posted 9/01/07 @ 4:13 PM EST
This whole sordid affair reminds me of when UPPD Chief Rambo resigned to "pursue other employment opportunities." He ends up as head of security at Susquehanna U. (Continued…)
Another Alum
posted 9/02/07 @ 6:52 AM EST
It seems to me that Gutmann's leadership of Penn has been lacking. She is never visible or accessible. Poor judgment and bad decisions (remember the Halloween photo?) have defined her tenure. (Continued…)
Paulo
Ryan Benjamin
posted 9/02/07 @ 9:33 AM EST
Nobody has mentioned (including you, DP writers) the fact that Stetson has been quoted in the last year as being extremely opposed to jettisoning early decision, when schools like Princeton, Harvard, and UVA have eliminated it. (Continued…)
Old Guard
posted 9/03/07 @ 1:44 PM EST
I recently walked past Stetson on Walnut. He seemed worn down, but had some step in him. Maybe a health issue.
Really not sure how Penn could benefit from getting rid of early decision. (Continued…)
Post a Comment