Caitlin Creech, Webster University alumna and former student of Lecturer Andrea Miller writes an open letter about how Miller and other instructor have been treated as employees at the university.
Dear all,
I am writing this e-mail as an open letter to all addressed about Andrea Miller, and as an extension to the other four affected members of staff. I hope this is being received by the proper departments. I graduated in 2013 with a BA in International Relations and had the pleasure of having Andrea Miller as a professor. I regard my time at Webster as some of the best years of my life. I still talk to several faculty members in the HPIR department. I saw something regarding Andrea’s job on social media a few weeks ago, but was not until I read the article in The Journal that I realized the scale of what is happening.
I am so disappointed in Webster University right now. You are treating one of your finest educators like a piece of garbage. Andrea is one of the most honest and dynamic educators you have at Webster. She was energetic, positive, gave great feedback on papers, knowledgable and was one of the few faculty members to be able to give unbiased lectures. I experienced your money-grabbing techniques when I was a student, through increasing tuition and on-campus housing costs every year. I am in debt because of it, but people like Andrea Miller made all of that worth it. She is worth more than what you seem to think. I am so disappointed in Webster, something I never thought I would say. I loved the opportunities I had at Webster, from studying abroad, to being a student leader, to working in my department’s office. It is truly disheartening to see you take this job away from her, as well as taking away her benefits. I know she has a family to take care of, and this clearly was not something that was taken into consideration. The affect this will have on her students and advisees is also something that is not under consideration. The implications and the work you are adding to other professors is also not under consideration. I know how important it is to make a connection with a professor which is why I find this information so alarming.
Webster University was my home for four years. I always recommend looking into Webster University for high school students I meet who are looking for a liberal arts school. As I said, I loved my time at Webster and would not trade it for the world. However, I felt compelled to voice my concerns, which is something I did not think I would have to do considering I have the utmost respect for Webster University as an institution, the professors and other members of staff. I truly hold my alma mater in high regard. I hope that you, as well as the Faculty Senate, will reconsider what you are doing to five hardworking, and if they are like Andrea, inspiring educators.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Creech
Webster Class of 2013