Weaver's resignation bitter-sweet

Associate Psychology professor Herm Weaver is resigning.

Herm Weaver, Associate Professor of Psychology for nearly 13 years, announced his resignation last week.

"I have loved my work and I am energized by the hopes and dreams of the students," said Weaver. "I am not leaving EMU because of any issue or concern about the direction of the institution. This is a decision made for personal/family reasons."

In an explanation to colleagues, Weaver talked about his experience at the age of 19 when he spent an entire summer following the wheat harvest from Texas to the Canadian border. He loved it, but when asked to return, declined because he wanted to experience other opportunities during the summer. He feels very much the same way now.

Weaver wants to create an "open space" in his life to explore opportunities for the future. He does not have plans for a new job since he wants to be free of a formal career, but will probably return to roofing in the short term.

"This time will go in a direction I can't project," said Weaver. He and his family have planned this for three years, knowing that "some will call this faithfulness and others will call it stupidity." His time will be spent with lots of quietness, music-making, and talking with friends. In his dream world, Weaver would use this time to tour with Willie Nelson.

Looking back on his time at EMU, Weaver values the times he sat and tried to know and understand students. He enjoys dialoguing and learning where students are at, and where they came from. Among students at EMU, the news of his resignation is a real loss to the Psychology department. "At the beginning of class when he asks why students are taking his course, many respond, "because I have to take a Herm class before I graduate," said a Psychology major. "Herm was very influential in my decision to come to EMU."

Senior Psychology major Sara Anderson said, "He makes each person feel important. That's what I'll miss most, his passion for psychology...I would love for Herm to stay, but I hope he finds joy in listening to God's calling on his life."

Weaver advises students to "live fully" and "don't be afraid to pay attention to the things you have passion for. Do things as creatively as you can."

As for the Psychology department, Weaver feels that "this is a tremendous opportunity for the Psychology department. It is a time for re-evaluation, and fresh ideas and energy." He has no doubt that they will do just fine.

Weaver usually teaches Developmental Psychology, Intro to Counseling, History of Psychology, and Issues and Ethics in Psychology. Undergraduate Academic Dean Marie Morris said, "It is kind of late in the year for a faculty recruitment search. We will appoint someone for a year."