One More Thing

As yet further proof that the stars are fully aligned for this sabbatical, I have been invited to serve as a reader for the AP chemistry exam. The readings are going to take place in mid-June in - you guessed it - Lincoln, Nebraska. So not only do I make a little bit of money in advance of my sabbatical, I get to scout out apartments before the sabbatical starts. This is amazing news! Thank you ETS!

Events Thus Far

Nov. 19, 2007: I submit my application for a sabbatical.
Jan. 30: I received word from the Dean and the Provost that my application has been approved. Ironically, I receive it right after a chemistry department meeting in which we planned out the teaching schedule for next year. (Now that schedule will have to be redone!). I immediately spread the word!
Meanwhile: There is some angst that while I am on sabbatical, the Provost might not approve a sabbatical replacement for me, or if he did, it would be one in which the duties might be severely restricted, all in the name of saving money. However, Anna our chair alleviated this angst through talking with the Dean. I will have a sabbatical replacement, and this person will teach my normal teaching load.
Feb. 13: At another department meeting, I am "nominated" to chair the search committee for my sabbatical replacement. It hardly seems fair, but I guess I'm willing to do it if it means I go on sabbatical.

That is about where things stand right now. I am working on the advertisement for my sabbatical replacement, and once it is approved by the search committee and the Dean, we'll get the ball rolling.

The Stars Are Aligned

I'm not into astrology or anything (other than for entertainment value), but if I were, I would have to say that the stars aligned perfectly for this sabbatical. It could not have happened at a better time in my life. The timing is absolutely perfect, both personally and professionally:

• I am now debt-free, thanks to learning how to budget from Dave Ramsey. Thus, even though I am going to suffer a pay cut while on sabbatical, my expenses will be reduced as well.
• I don't own a house, so I won't have to maintain a residence in La Grande while on sabbatical.
• Eastern Oregon University is, shall we say, in a bit of financial turmoil right now. So it will do me good to get out of town for a while.
• My publication record has begun to falter. I need to step it up if I am going to land that big grant.
• I have reached a point in theoretical chemistry where both the questions and answers are becoming harder and harder. It will serve me well to study with more accomplished and more senior physical chemists for a while.
• I will be closer both to my parents (in St. Louis) and to my sister (in Houston).
• Plus, I simply miss the sensible values that embody the Midwest. Oregon is quite a peculiar place for lots of reasons (Oregon allows people to kill themselves legally, but Oregon won't overcharge tourists at the Portland airport - that would be unethical!).

I'm Going On Sabbatical

This is great news - I am going on sabbatical for next academic year. I'll be spending it in Lincoln, Nebraska. I graduated from there with my Ph.D. in chemistry in 2000, and I have always felt a strong connection to the place while I was there. I'll be working with Dr. Gerry Harbison and Dr. Xiao Zeng, both professors of chemistry at UNL, on several projects so this won't be some vacation for me!