I absolutely loved Prof Povitz’s History of Sexuality class I took last spring. It was a hybrid model class and we only met in person a few times, but it was one of the classes I felt most connected to the other students because of the unique community Prof Povitz fostered. I am normally a pretty shy student, but I always felt really comfortable sharing my ideas in her class. She also was so flexible in assignments while still making sure they were academically challenging and rigorous. Her lesson plans were so unique; with different formats each week, classes were always exciting and engaging. Prof Povitz is definitely one of if not my top favorite professors I had at Midd. She brings so much to both to History and GSFS department, she absolutely deserves tenure and partner hire!
Month: February 2022
I have not had Professor Povitz for any courses at Middlebury College. However, I am a history major and I am highly interested in taking her courses during my time at Middlebury. I was quite appalled to hear that she has not been offered partner hire despite having a partner who is also professor. What message does this send from the administration to all LGBTQIA+ individuals on this campus. Maybe we should focus on keeping important professors here and improving our community, rather inviting eugenicists (ie. Charles Murray) to speak and spread hate on this campus. Therefore, I am writing this letter on behalf of all history majors and all members of marginalized who are in my life. This action by the administration will not be ignored.
I took History of US Food Politics with Professor Povitz, and it was an invaluable course in my independent food studies major. No other food studies classes (or classes in other departments) have been as helpful and useful in outlining how food policy in the US got to be how it is, and the course was foundational in my major discovery and declaration process. Professor Povitz was one of the first professors I’ve had whose pedagogy adequately accommodated my learning style and needs. She is deeply knowledgeable on her subject matter and she cares deeply about her students. Also, just seeing the types of courses she offers in the course catalog has been very helpful for me to be seeing representation of and focus on marginalized groups that aren’t well represented in courses at Middlebury outside of a select few departments, where only certain facets of their experiences are taught. I am so grateful that i was able to learn from Professor Povitz, and I think she absolutely deserves tenure at this college.
Dear Middlebury College, I am a first year student and I was in Professor P’s FYS. Her class was something I always looked forward to and I feel like I gained valuable technical skills applicable to my future college courses. Her engaging personality and classroom fostered a place where my classmates and I could have intimate discussions and feel safe sharing. What I’m trying to say is that Povitz helped me feel more confident in sharing my own thoughts and ideas in a classroom setting. Over the semester our class became really close all thanks to Povitz. Some of my best friends I’ve made here at Middlebury were from that class. Letting Professor Povitz go would be a huge loss. She is not only an incredible lecturer and extremely kind and caring person but she has done so much for the LGBTQ+ and Jewish population here at Midd. Representation is the key to creating a comfortable space for all. Being from the LGBTQ+ community herself, Povitz can empathize easily with other LGBTQ+ students. Basically she brings a ‘different’ perspective to the classroom that is an important aspect of students gaining a democratic education. Having her as a professor and being able to talk to and learn from her unique perspectives is invaluable. Please reconsider. We love Professor P.
Professor Povitz has encouraged me in more ways than can be put into words to take advantage of my education and advocate for myself. As my first year advisor, she has given me tools to better my writing, to navigate the difficulties of adjusting to thus new environment, AND has helped me find my voice in the classroom. Never have I encountered a professor who genuinely wants to connect and hear students in the way Povitz does. She is a wonderful and caring professor, with a deep love for her career and middlebury. Povitz is a valued member of this community and it is important for Middlebury as an institution to recognize this. Without Povitz, many students who share intersections of their identity with hers (like myself) will lose an important role model and educator that influences students lives for the better. She has so much to offer to this community and letting her go would be a massive mistake.
I have only been in professor Povitz’s class for two weeks, but I already consider her to be one of the best professors I have had here. I strongly urge the administration to do whatever they can to keep her at middlebury
Dr. Povitz was my favorite professor at Middlebury and the reason I was a history major!
Professor Povitz has advised me and been influential and supportive through my decisions. Middlebury would risk losing an loved and dedicated professional letting go of Professor Povitz
Professor Povitz was one of my first history department professors. She was one of the primary reasons I became a history major. I’ve taken classes with her since and have been consistently awed and inspired by her work. She is an indispensable member of our department. We need to do everything possible to keep her on board.
To whom it concerns, I took Practicing Oral History this last j term and she was an amazing professor. One of the best I’ve ever had at Middlebury without a doubt. She leads discussions with kindness and trust. Middlebury is a much better place with her as a professor. Sincerely, Lily Staron