August 30, 1971

The college announced that political scientist Dean Barbara J. Wells of Thomas More College, Fordham University, would succeed Dr. Nell Eurich as dean of the faculty. Dr. Wells, who assumed office in July 1972, spoke to Dale Mezzzacappa ’72 shortly after her appointment was announced, about her priorities for the Vassar faculty: “Any educational insitution worth its salt today will make a concious effort in the direction of women faculty and black faculty. Of course we have to hire who is good, but because these two groups have been submerged, if I can use that word to describe two vastly difference experiences, we have to make a conscious effort to look for women faculty and black faculty, not just to ‘accept what comes.’”

Citing “real differences between us on educational issues and methods of administration,” Dean Eurich resigned in January of 1970 at President Simpson’s request.