Many students were surprised when they returned to campus this semester and discovered that Dr. Kayla Walker-Edin, assistant professor of English and humanities, would not be returning to teach at Milligan. Walker-Edin notified many of her students of her departure over the summer, when she accepted a new teaching position in Georgia, where she has relocated with her family.
“I have accepted a new job as Professor of English at the Savannah College of Art and Design,” she wrote. “While I am excited for this new adventure, I am sorry to miss out on the amazing humanities tour we have planned for next spring.”
Walker-Edin began teaching at Milligan in 2013, bringing with her a love for 19th and 20th-century British and American literature and women and gender studies. She was also scheduled to help lead the Milligan’s Humanities Tour next summer.
At least a few students wondered why there wasn’t a general announcement about her departure. That was matter of timing, according to President Bill Greer.
“Milligan typically acknowledges the departure of faculty and staff, when notice of such departure happens within an acceptable timeline,” he wrote in an email to The Stampede. “This timeline is detailed in our faculty and staff handbooks and is intended to ensure that the University has adequate time to find a replacement. When these guidelines are not followed by the departing faculty or staff member, a campus-wide announcement is generally not sent. Nonetheless, we certainly wish Dr. Walker-Edin the best in her new endeavors.”
Junior Sydney Reeder has had Walker-Edin as an adviser and professor, noting her investment in Reeder’s professional development.
“She was very encouraging to my formative thoughts as an art and English major,” said Reeder. “Because of her, I decided to study abroad this summer and have had a better grasp on career paths.”
Senior Molly Dycus described Edin as a caring and brilliant professor who heavily advocated for equality of those around her and served Milligan’s campus admirably.
“Dr. Walker-Edin has been a phenomenal professor,” said Dycus. “I am unbelievably proud of Dr. WE, and I cannot wait to hear the wonderful accomplishments and experiences she will have at SCAD.”
According to Edin’s email, students who have questions concerning class and/or the humanities tour should reach out to Dr. Edmondson. ____
This story was revised on Sept. 9 to provide additional information.
Headline photo from Milligan University