CGSE Executive Director Resigns

Michael Monahan has resigned from his position as Executive Director of the Center for Global Studies and Engagement (CGSE), according to an email sent to faculty and staff on Monday, March 28.

In the email announcing Monahan’s departure, Provost Neil Weissman said that Monahan had resigned to “pursue other interests” but will serve as a consultant to Dickinson through September. Weissman also announced that Samantha Brandauer, director of Study Abroad, would replace Monahan as interim director “starting immediately,” and that he would consult with relevant all-college committees before seeking a long-term replacement.

As of print time, students had not been notified of Monahan’s departure. In an email to the Dickinsonian on Tuesday, March 29, Weissman acknowledged that the announcement about Monahan’s resignation “should have gone to students as well. Apologies to the student body.”

According to the Dickinson website, CGSE manages the college’s more than 40 education-abroad programs, which exist in 24 countries on six continents, as well as domestic programs off campus.

“It has been an honor to work in global education at Dickinson and I wish everyone the best as the College continues its fine trajectory,” Monahan said via email on Tuesday.

Monahan also said that it was “premature” to discuss his future plans, but he hopes “to explore some opportunities and might know more in late summer.” Monahan assumed his position at CGSE in August 2013.

“During his tenure Mike undertook a comprehensive review of our global programs. We will use that review as a foundation for drafting a strategic plan for the center,” Weissman said.

Monahan’s resignation marks the second departure of a top administrative official from the college this academic year. Vice President of College Advancement Marsha Ray resigned from her position in October 2015, creating a vacancy that has yet to be filled.

Brandauer did not respond to requests for comment by print time.