Carleton College President Stephen R. Lewis, Jr., has announced he will take a sabbatical from January to March 1999 as approved by the College's Board of Trustees. Dean of the College Elizabeth McKinsey will serve as acting president during his absence. McKinsey will continue to serve in her current position as well.
Chair and Professor of Philosophy Perry Mason will work half time as special assistant to the president. He will assist Executive Assistant to the President Joe Hargis with the day-to-day operations of the office. "Perry's long experience, including three years as vice president for external affairs and an earlier three-year term as president of the faculty will be of invaluable help," Lewis noted.
In addition, Chair and Professor of Music Stephen Kelly will return part time as acting associate dean to relieve McKinsey as needed so she is free to act as president when required. Kelly previously served as acting associate dean from January to July 1997 when McKinsey took a sabbatical from the College.
"I'm very grateful to the Trustees for this opportunity to do some different things and to get a fresh outlook on issues, and to my colleagues who have agreed to cover in my absence," Lewis said.