Bittersweet. The word evokes rich chocolate, not too syrupy or saccharine. Merriam-Webster defines it as “pleasure accompanied by suffering or regret.”
It is the perfect word to describe how I feel about leaving Gaylord College and going back into the world of full-time journalism. I’m excited about getting back into the newsroom and working with colleagues who believe, as I do, in the importance of the press.
I leave to become the Vice President-Editorial Page Editor at the Kansas City Star. It’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that has looked to the future and is using all the digital technology that we talk about in Gaylord. Opinion plays an important role and I can’t wait to jump in.
But how I will miss the college and my freshman students in JMC-1013 Intro to Media, a core class in Gaylord. I’ve been teaching Intro since I got here seven years ago in 2016, fall, spring, and summer semesters. As a teacher and a dean, I salute all the faculty, instructors, and adjunct teachers who give their time and talents to our students.
I think many people will remember me for teaching Intro, but my “real job” was heading up Student Services and overseeing the broadcast area. The advisers are workhorses, each coaching hundreds of students over the course of the semester. Thank you! And the broadcast area more than wins awards, it prepares students for careers. The broadcast staff is phenomenal. Again, thank you!
As I leave, I want to acknowledge the leadership of the college for giving me the opportunity to serve, and for supporting my efforts during my time here. It’s a gratifying and fulfilling role, and one I will miss.
Yvette Walker
Assistant Dean
