Congratulatory Messages on Dean Hesselman’s Retirement
- Jim has provided exemplary leadership and support to our School of Arts and Letters team. He has guided us professionally and personally, encouraging us to strive for excellence—both individually and as an organization. He has challenged us, listened to us, grieved with us, celebrated our accomplishments, and brought laughter into our lives. We, the staff, cannot thank him enough for sharing his knowledge, experiences, and passions with our team. He has brought out the best in each of us, and we will forever be grateful. Godspeed, Jim, and we look forward to our continued friendship with you!
- The English faculty wish Jim Hesselman a happy retirement. During his time as Dean, the program has developed an in-house graduate program that now enrolls 15 students. It has seen four faculty members promoted to Associate Professor (Susan Popham, Jeff Perry, Jacob Babb, and Jeremy Wells), one to Professor (Samantha Earley), and one to Teaching Professor (Diane Russell). And—as he regularly encouraged us to do—it has undertaken a revision of its curriculum, emphasizing career preparation and skills. We appreciate Jim’s leadership during challenging times.
- Thank you for your leadership through some of the most unique times in recent history. With your support and encouragement, the Fine Arts Program was able to expand our lab and studio spaces to serve more students, develop diverse course offerings, and add a new degree to the mix. The Fine Arts Program hopes you find peace and relaxation in retirement!
- Thank you for always advocating for the Communication’s program. Through the challenges presented by Covid, enrollment and the budget, you have maintained calm and steady leadership. Through your guidance our department has been able to adapt and even grow through the merger with journalism despite the aforementioned challenges. We could have never accomplished any of this without your navigation and stewardship. We are a better program because of you and wish you success in your retirement.
- Many thanks, Dean Jim, for your fine leadership of our school during your tenure here. You had to navigate us through some very difficult times and the truly uncharted waters of a world-shaking pandemic. You handled it all with great calm and sensitivity, not to mention a healthy dose of humor along the way. You have had to make difficult decisions, have stern conversations, argue for our causes before an administration that was, at least at times, not ready or in a position to lend a sympathetic ear, but you still managed to open your door, listen attentively and remain a caring friend to your colleagues. Your colleagues in Modern Languages would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to and respect for a gentleman who has served us well.
- There are a thousand reasons and stories that we could give, that would explain why the Theatre Department won’t be the same now that Jim has retired. He is truly one of a kind and completely irreplaceable. To be honest we don’t think there are enough words to thank him appropriately for everything he has contributed to our program and the University over these years. He has inspired countless students to pursue their dreams and helped to shape their futures. The legacy he has built here will be felt for years to come. We want to wish him a happy and stress-free retirement.
- Jim became Dean during one of the most difficult stretches of time IU Southeast has experienced and proved himself to be the right leader at the right time. His energy and out-of-the-box thinking pulled us through these challenging times, which were made brighter by his humor, gentle spirit, and empathy. The Music Department deeply appreciates all of your support, encouragement, and wisdom throughout these years. Congratulations on your retirement! May it be filled with joyous new adventures!
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