Editor:
I was surprised, saddened and angered to learn that the biology department has laid off our wonderful advisor, educator and mentor Fred Montague.
Montague was an indispensable resource for undergraduates in the biology department for the four years I was a biology major. His approach to advising set the biology department apart from other science departments which often treat undergraduates as secondary to research.
As an educator, Montague was a welcome respite from the often distant research faculty teaching many of the classes. As an advisor, Montague’s careful guidance helped students gain a true sense of personal direction, as he dealt with each and every one of us on an individual basis.
I work at the Genetic Science Learning Center as a graphic artist and youth programs coordinator. In our youth programs, I encourage high school students to come to the U and major in biology. I tell them that the biology department at the U is unique in its many resources and opportunities for undergraduates. One of the resources I always mention is Fred Montague. I now have one less incentive to convince our best and brightest youth to attend the U.
By losing Montague, the biology department is not only cutting a “non-essential” (read: non-research) salary, they are also doing a disservice to the undergraduate community.
And don’t forget, those undergraduates who are “in the way” right now are the future post-docs and faculty of the biology field. What a shame that the biology department is so out-of-touch with the university community that they didn’t recognize the truly unique treasure that they had.