Dr. Justina Licata, the current Ainsworth Scholar, has not only been an outstanding educator at Randolph College, teaching some of the most sensitive concepts in history, but a mentor and friend to her students. The first time a student will step foot in her classroom, they will feel an overwhelming amount of acceptance, enjoyment in her class, and will walk away with much more knowledge than they ever could have anticipated. She is extremely talented at what she does, and we are so lucky to have her at Randolph.  

The Ainsworth Scholar, a two year position at RC, allows for a visiting American Historian to visit the college and teach for the American Culture Program. Last year our history department had an American Historian, Dr. John d'Entremont, and Dr. Licata to have a well rounded American History department. Now, due to speculated budget cuts and Dr. d'Entremont's well deserved retirement, the Ainsworth Scholar, a two year rotating position will take the place fully as the American Historian. 

Unfortunately, her contract will no longer be in effect after the Spring semester of 2022. This has deeply saddened her colleagues, along with her students. So many students at Randolph have thrived greatly under her instruction and keeping her at our school will only continue to benefit our students. 

How will students of history be able to create relationships and learn effectively if every two years one of their main professors has to leave and be replaced? Would this ever happen in the Science department to have a permanent rotating Chemistry or Biology Professor? I think not. Let the humanties be loved and keep Dr. Licata as our full-time American Historian. Dr. Licata is one of a kind and we know that she will continue to make an impact on a countless amount of students in the future, so we would absolutely love it if she had the opportunity to continue doing so at Randolph College. 

We are pleading to the Randolph College Senior Staff and Board of Trustees to invest in one of the most important things of any students education- American History.