KATIE LENDA
Special to The Leader
Earlier this semester, hundreds of students were disappointed when David Norman, a public relations professor of the communication department, announced his upcoming departure from Fredonia.
This disappointment turned into optimism, however, after Norman mentioned his desire to return to Fredonia for the Fall 2020 semester.
After the announcement that SUNY would be practicing distance learning, Norman was approached by several students asking if he would consider staying for an additional semester.
“I’ve been so saddened by recent events and felt a great loss that I would not be seeing and interacting with all of my students in person. For me, this was just unfinished business,” said Norman.
But his return isn’t that simple — Norman is still waiting on a decision from the university to solidify his return to campus.
Norman confirmed that he will not be returning to campus in the fall, however an official reason as to why he is not allowed to return was never stated.
Dr. Andy Karafa, dean of the college of liberal arts, commented on the issue, “I cannot say too much about this situation, as this is a personnel issue.”
Students have speculated the reason Norman may not be allowed is because he already announced his departure.
Karafa added that the administration tries to avoid changing the schedule found on Your Connection, but may be modified due to low enrolled courses, a change of instructor availability, etc.
Junior public relations major, Kaitlyn Vanstrom, created a petition to support Norman’s return.
The petition has been signed by nearly 300 students and has been circulating on Facebook and Twitter.
It also has a comments section, where multiple students and alumni have shared their appreciation and support for Norman.
Norman is actively involved in student organizations on campus.
Norman, alongside Dr. Toluwani Oloke, is one of the faculty advisors for Fredonia’s Public Relations Student Society of America. The majority of the organization’s members are also students of Norman’s.
Additionally, for over 20 years, Norman has owned and managed his own public relations firm, Kitchen Public Relations in New York City.
Owning a public relations firm in New York City, many public relations students admire Norman’s real world experience that he brings to his teaching.
Fredonia’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) president and junior public relations major, Emma Atherall, is in strong support of Norman’s return.
Atherall said of Norman, “He has so much knowledge on the field, and the way he presents that to his students is so admirable. The most practical techniques and strategies I’ve learned are from him. He doesn’t lecture from a textbook, which says a lot on his expertise in the field.”
Junior public relations major, Liz George, is also a member of PRSSA and a student of Norman’s.
“Professor Norman has a strong passion for teaching and it shows,” said George. “His humorous anecdotes and thoughtful discussions make the material memorable and fresh. From his involvement in PRSSA, to sharing his extensive knowledge on the field with students, Professor Norman has done an incredible job during his time at Fredonia. I hope to see him back next semester.”
According to Your Connection on Fredonia’s website, the Fall 2020 semester will only have one public relations professor in person, Vincent Quatroche.
For many students, this is not an ideal learning environment.
Norman cited this issue as another reason why he wants to return.
“I am concerned that the PR faculty will be woefully understaffed next semester and I wanted to offer some continuity to PR students, particularly with all the uncertainty ahead for next year,” he said.
Junior public relations major and member of Fredonia’s PRSSA chapter, Joe Sciera, feels frustrated with the lack of public relations faculty next semester.
“I think it’s unfair that the department expects us to learn the skills we need online, when our classes are meant to be taught in person,” said Sciera. “Public relations classes are meant for in-class discussions. Like hundreds of other students, I’m going to be a senior next semester and would hate to see my last few classes be taught online. Especially considering how this semester had to end.”
Without Norman’s return to campus, professors Bond Benton and Vincent Quatroche will be the only faculty members in the department; the other public relations professor, Dr. Toluwani Oloke, is leaving for the fall semester as well. Benton, who is already an associate professor at MontClair State university in New Jersey, will be teaching all his classes online.
Students can get involved in supporting Norman’s return by signing the online petition, contacting administration and by sharing news related to the situation via social media.
You can show your support and sign the petition here.