Dr. Bruce Kessler is currently in his 30th year at WKU as a faculty member, 9th year as department head of mathematics, and had previously served 8-and-a-half years in the Dean's Office of Ogden College of Science and Engineering as an Assistant and later Associate Dean. The renewal of his contract as department head has now been denied. We believe this to be unjust, unexpected, and disrespectful to him and the department.

Dr. Kessler has had a profound impact on the culture and approachability of the mathematics department. He has inspired the graduate and undergraduate students in the WKU math department on a regular basis. His vibrancy and curiosity is evident in the classroom; he clearly embodies what it means to be a professional mathematical communicator as well as an encouraging intellectual guide to his students and peers at WKU. Dr. Kessler always pushes to provide the students and faculty with whatever is necessary to ensure their success.

We believe that the unilateral decision made by The Interim Dean of Ogden College, Greg Arbuckle, to be unfair and untenable. To date, there has been no official reason given by either Dr. Arbuckle or by Acting Provost Cheryl Stevens to justify the non-renewal of Dr. Kessler's contract. We believe it to be the responsibility of the students of the math department and of the university to make it clear that we will not stand for this.

The reasoning provided here not only solidifies the opinion of Dr. Kessler being an exceptional department head, it also shows the clear and obvious impact he has had on all mathematical students. He has proven time and again that he has the best interest of the department, the faculty, the staff, and the students at heart.

Help us ensure that he may continue to serve as the department head of mathematics. Help us renew the contract of a truly integral leader of the mathematics department. Help us right this wrong.