Christie prepares to step back into the classroom

Dr. Brad Christie, who has served in Erskine’s senior academic role since 2010, announced to the Erskine faculty today that he plans to step out of the Academic Office and back into the classroom after a semester sabbatical.

In a letter to the Erskine community, Christie revealed that this move had been on his mind for some time and that he had made the decision prior to the recent presidential transition.

Dear Erskine Community,

For some time and for various reasons I have been considering stepping out of my role as the college’s chief academic officer. I discussed this situation with our former president, Dr. Kooistra, several times; and last month—before the appointment of the interim president—Dr. Kooistra accepted my resignation as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective at the end of the calendar year. I will be on sabbatical during the spring semester, preparing to return to full-time teaching next fall.

It has been a blessing and a privilege to serve in the Academic Office: to represent this historic institution at the highest level before Christ and his Church, before state and national peer groups and accrediting bodies; to serve three presidents; to work with outstanding Cabinet colleagues and office staff; most of all, to try to improve the Erskine experience for an exceptionally gifted faculty and for our wonderful students.

Thank you all, partners in higher education and in the highest education, the gospel.

Grace and peace,
N. Bradley Christie

Interim President Dr. Rob Gustafson said he would be working closely with Dr. Christie, the Faculty Executive Committee, and the Academic Office staff between now and the end of the year to address the immediate needs for the spring term as well as developing interim and long-term plans for the position.