African studies chair replaced

The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences replaced the chairman of one of the school's most prominent departments Tuesday, less than a week before classes are set to begin.\nMichael McGerr, a professor of history and associate dean for graduate education and program development, will take over the Department of African-American and African Diaspora Studies position from Dr. John Stanfield, University officials said.\nMcGerr said "it's not precisely the occasion that one wants to become department chair" since Stanfield won't finish his term as planned.\n"My focus is on the future of the department right now," McGerr said. "I'm not being dismissive of the situation, but I have to focus on the needs to the students and staff right now."\nStanfield, who will retain his faculty status in the department, had been trying to mend problems in the AAADS since the middle of July, including efforts to cut overspending.\nThe plan included routing records through Stanfield's office, listing office and phone use procedures, as well as allowing the department's Academic Affairs Committee to operate as the budgetary advisory committee to the department chairman.\nLinda Jean, former department finance manager for AAADS and current office manager of West European Studies wouldn't say whether she believed Stanfield's dismissal is related to the department's financial situation.\n"I still hold the department of African-American and African-Diaspora Studies in very high regard, and I wish them the very best," Jean said. "I wish Professor Stanfield no ill, and I'm in a wonderful position and I intend to stay here."\nOfficials said COAS Dean Kumble R. Subbaswamy made the decision, but he could not be reached by press time. Stanfield did not return phone messages.\nMcGerr expressed his excitement for his new position, including plans of expansion, saying the department is in good financial standing.\n"In taking this job there is no financial problem that I know about in the department," McGerr said. "We are in good shape and ready to meet our responsibilities. My focus is on growth, and we are looking to continue to attract more undergraduate majors and increase the size of our faculty."\nDepartment faculty members could not pinpoint the reasons behind the change in leadership. \nAudrey McCluskey, associate professor in AAADS and director of the Black Film Center/Archive said she expected to be briefed by Subbaswamy on the specifics of the change with the rest of the faculty within the coming days.\n"I don't agree with everything Stanfield has done, but I don't think everyone agrees with everything everyone else has done," McCluskey said. "Now is the time to close ranks around our students and remember that we are here to serve them."\nMcCluskey served as co-chairperson of the search committee which brought Stanfield here in August 2002 and has been a strong advocate of his candidacy.\n"This is not an outcome that I hoped for or could even imagine 18 months ago," McCluskey said. "I'm sure that Dean Subbaswamy made a difficult, if not wrenching decision, whether we agree with it or not."\n-- Contact senior writer Mitch Blacher at mblacher@indiana.edu.