For many people, winter break is an opportunity to find a small bit of rest after a long fall semester and before a grueling spring semester. However, for select faculty, this time of year only marks the beginning. Four members of Wabash’s esteemed faculty earned their tenure over break. For most professors, earning tenure from college or university is the main goal after they get out of graduate school, academia is one of the most competitive professional fields to be in. Only about a quarter of professors are tenured nationwide, but cream rises to the top and so do the most dedicated and talented professors.
Associate Professor of Economics Eric Dunaway graduated from Eastern Washington University with his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and then went on to receive his PhD from Washington State University. Dunaway was hired as an assistant professor in 2018.
Receiving tenure is a sign of confidence from the College in the professor. It takes years of work and research for a professor to be considered for tenure.
“It feels really nice in the sense that tenure is a signal from the college that they have faith in what you do for the long run,” said Dunaway. “To receive that endorsement from the college is great. It takes a long time to get here, but it’s also important to understand that tenure is just the beginning.”
One only needs to talk to Dunaway’s students to learn why he was one of the professors to earn tenure.
“Dunaway is a key reason as to why the economics department is so strong,” said Harrison Wainman ’26. “He has been a great advisor and a life coach as well. His passion for economics and how he keeps the material engaging is what has driven me to be an economics student.”
Associate Professor of Classics Matthew Gorey graduated from Georgetown University with his Bachelors degree in English and Classics, but decided to focus his graduate-level work on Classics. After receiving his PhD and Masters from the University of Washington, Gorey arrived at Wabash in 2019, first as a visiting professor and then made a permanent Bryon K. Trippet Assistant Professor of Classics in 2022.
One of the most important things tenure has afforded Gorey is a sense of stability. Wabash has allowed him to establish a home and build a community of his own. Based on what his students have to say, it is only right that Gorey receives this sense of security from Wabash.
“[Associate] Professor Gorey is very knowledgeable about the ancient Mediterranean world and its cultures,” said Lucas Ranard ’26. “He brings great insight and good humor to his lectures and makes them engaging and enjoyable.”
Associate Professor of Chemistry Joe Scanlon ’03, notably the only Wabash alumnus in the new batch of tenured professors, eventually returning to the College after earning his PhD from the University of Minnesota. Scanlon is a great example of Wabash development coming full circle and giving back what you know to the next generation of Wabash men.
“Personally, Wabash College was a place that really helped my transition from a teenager to an adult,” said Scanlon. “It feels like I’m able to give back a little bit which I’m really proud of.”
What Scanlon is giving back is the engaging and personalized learning environment that he received as a student.
“Professor Scanlon prepared us well for the expectations of upper level chemistry courses,” said Brayden Spurlock ’27. “He made laboratory activities especially enjoyable, doing things like bringing in Burger King crowns for everyone. He has a natural ability to make students passionate about chemistry.”
Lastly, Associate Professor of English Julian Whitney came to Wabash in 2020 with a Bachelor’s from Haverford College and a PhD from Emory University. Associate Professor Whitney has no intentions of letting his foot off the gas after receiving tenure. He sees this as an opportunity to refine his teaching strategies even further.
“I think that one of the advantages of getting tenure is that it sort of encourages you to think about new pedagogical strategies,” said Whitney. “You can try new things because you’re constantly refining the craft of teaching even after you reach this milestone”
Associate Professor Whitney’s students are especially grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm that he brings to teaching.
“[Associate] Professor Whitney is one of those professors that can electrify a classroom,” said Evan Bone ’26. “He’ll connect a reading from a century ago to our lives today with wit and an intense delivery that captivates all students. He’s undoubtedly deserving of tenure.”
Each of these professors expressed gratitude for the tenure process and all of the feedback that they got from students and staff. One thing is certain, each of the professors from this group offer something special to the Wabash community. It’s good to know that they’ll be sticking around for the years to come.
HEADSHOTS COURTESY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING