Dear Members of the Stater Editorial Board:

I appreciate your editorial regarding the importance of good teaching for Kent State University; however, your editorial, and the recent article by Colin Morris, failed to recognize an important aspect of the current conversation regarding promotion and tenure. Both President Lester Lefton and I have consistently stated that excellence in teaching and research is expected for all faculty members on the tenure track. We believe individuals leading the dialogue in and having an impact on their disciplines through research, scholarship and creative activity will also be great teachers.

The president and I support the changes in the promotion and tenure policies because we believe that these steps will assure great teaching at Kent State University. These new policies will provide better direction for faculty as they work toward the award of tenure and promotion in rank. As at all American universities, the faculty at Kent State work long hours preparing for and teaching class and doing research in their areas of expertise. Kent State students will be best served if they have the opportunity to learn from faculty members who are defining their disciplines. Faculty excellence in both teaching and research provides students the most informed and knowledgeable faculty.

Robert G. Frank is provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.