Kortney Stern, assistant professor of English, has announced that she will be resigning at the end of the school year with plans to relocate in June. Currently, she is unsure exactly what next year will look like, but is currently applying for positions in teaching English faculty at colleges on the West Coast and in the Southwest.
Stern emphasized that this was not a decision made easily but rather one that was “deeply painful” and made out of a necessity to care for her mental health.She comes from a tight-knit family from the Bay Area, most of whom still live in close proximity to each other, leaving Stern isolated in the Midwest. Her goal is to relocate within a day’s drive of family in her new position to help negate the feelings of isolation.
Stern said that one reason the decision to leave was so difficult is because of how much she loves her current job. “If I could have picked this job — this school — up and moved it, I would have stayed forever. I would have retired from this position. But I cannot do that, and the only thing I can pick up and move is myself.”
Despite her leaving, Stern wanted students to know she hopes that this won’t feel too much like an ending, but rather like a new beginning. Even though she will no longer be physically on campus, students can feel free to continue to connect with her as a mentor if they have questions about the job market or graduate school. She is also happy to write letters of recommendation or references.
If students would like to stay in touch, they may reach out to Stern to get her personal email, which she is willing to share. The English department will likely be hosting a farewell reception at the end of May Term, once Stern finishes co-teaching Inside Out with Regina Shands Stoltzfus, professor of peace, justice and conflict studies, so students should watch for further announcements.
