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St. Mary's Seminary & University

Dean Laytham Announces Upcoming Staff Transition

After 27 years of service, Dr. Pat Fosarelli will enter a new phase come July 1. She will step down from her role as Associate Dean of Instruction, but continue half time with St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute in her role as Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministries. We are thankful for all that she has done for St. Mary’s over the years, and glad that she will be continuing to serve with us. 

Dr. Fosarelli reflected on the upcoming transition, “I have been working at St. Mary’s—in some capacity—since 1995, and I have been a dean since 2006.  As of June 30, I will be stepping down from my full-time position as Associate Dean of Instruction but will continue part-time as Director of the MACM (and its associated certificates). This is my decision because a) there are other things that I still want to do and b) the EI has two fine deans who will remain.

I will continue to act as an advisor, be active in the D.Min. program, oversee the MACM and associated certificates, and (of course) teach.  Although I will not be around every day, I will be available when students are most likely here.

I count coming to the EI as a student in the fall of 1992 as one of the most important decisions that I made in my life, one that changed my life for the better. I always hope that it will do the same for every student and faculty member who joins this very unique community of learners.”

 

UPDATE: January 31, 2022

Out of a continuing abundance of caution, the Ecumenical Institute will continue online-only learning through February, returning to in-person learning just after winter break on February 28.

 

ORIGINAL POST: January 6, 2022

Dear EI Community,
 
We hope that you have had a restful and healthy Christmas. We look forward to a wonderful spring semester of learning together.
 
As you know, our hope has been to offer each class simultaneously online and in person this semester. However, in view of the surging omicron variant, we have decided that all EI courses will begin entirely online through the month of January, with the option to attend class in-person beginning Tuesday, February 1.
 
This does not affect the availability of the library; current EI faculty and students are welcome to come in person if they are in compliance with the St. Mary’s COVID policy (either fully vaccinated or having received an exemption and following the additional requirements). At present, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear a mask at all times while in our building.
 
If you plan to come on campus, please be sure you have completed the confidential and mandatory COVID disclosure form. If you are not fully vaccinated and would like to receive an exemption, you may use this form.
 
 
With hope,
Deans Laytham, Fosarelli, and Hancock