Mark A. Smith, PhD
Dear Mark,
It is with extreme regret that I tender my resignation from IWU effective immediately. It has been my distinct and lasting pleasure to have been associated with the University and many of its employees in both administrative and faculty capacities over the past two years.
Without being too specific, nothing can be done to correct one’s shortcomings, and citing nothing other than “philosophical differences” does all of us an injustice. So let me be more specific about why I’m leaving IWU.
From the day I came to work here, I have been singularly impressed with the duplicity you consistently demonstrate. In one of the first email exchanges I engaged in with you, you shamelessly lied about an issue in order to assert your position. When challenged, you ignored the challenge and the issue remained moot.
Time and again as we worked to advance projects within the APS, and then AGS, department, you and I were at odds over more than just “philosophical differences” as you’ve put it. The real issue was power, and who would wield it in the context of our respective areas of responsibility – you in academics, me in operations. When issues in those two areas often overlapped, we agreed to disagree in many cases, but it is apparent now that not all of that was put behind us then.
I was concerned that this day would come when our previous Vice President suddenly announced his resignation and you were named as the new VP. I am surprised only that it took so long for you to make this move (two months!) and that you have elected to do it so duplicitously. You made a commitment to me that you would not ask me to leave unless and until God had given you peace about it. The manner in which you have chosen to take this action speaks volumes for whether you even listened for God’s voice.
I wish IWU the best that God has to offer for the future as they strive to develop world-changers. I wish for you, Mark, that God would lay your life open before everyone to be seen as it is, so that you can begin the inner healing that you so desperately need.
Sincerely,
Frank L. de Monbrun