A divided vote in the fine arts department reflected a division in the department that has upset Godfrey and people familiar with the situation.
Godfrey's students have expressed some concern about the imbalance between studio art professors and art history professors in the department.
"The art department has a lot of problems and one is the imbalance of tenured studio professors to tenured [art] history professors," said Todd Smith '03. "I am very disappointed in the outcome of the entire process for Professor Godfrey's reappointment."
"There is no point in pretending that the dominant faction in the department will make tenuring a studio artist a priority, because [Godfrey was] the best candidate they'll find," said George Denes '02.
The ratio of tenured fine arts professors who teach art history to tenured professors who teach studio art is six to one, respectively.
The faculty handbook states that a newly hired professor must be re-evaluated after three years at the department and the college level.
"The decision to reappoint should not be confused with the decision on tenure. A decision to reappoint is an expression of satisfaction with past performance and of confidence in the faculty member's potential for continuing development," states the handbook.
Gerety explained how he examines each person's potential for reappointment. "My decision is ultimately about ... what are this person's prospect for tenure," he said. Gerety was unable to comment on Godfrey's specific case.
In February, the fine arts department concluded their evaluation of Godfrey and voted four-to-three not to recommend his reappointment. He was notified by a formal letter. At that point, he had the option of sending written commentary to the Committee of Six, which he chose to do.
After meeting with members of Godfrey's department and reviewing his work, the Committee of Six voted four-to-two to recommend Godfrey's reappointment to Gerety, reversing the decision of the fine arts department.
"It is very, very unusual for the Committee of Six to overrule a department. The ruling indicates that the way the department followed review procedures was not correct," said Godfrey. "From what I am hearing, many of the faculty are as puzzled as I am how the President could come to such a decision. The combined votes, including some of the most respected members of our Faculty inside and, importantly, outside the department, show a seven-to-six majority in favor of my reappointment."
"I feel that this should not go unresolved. I know others and myself do not want this to be the last word," said Smith, referring to the reasoning behind Gerety's decision.
Godfrey said that he is currently exploring other options provided by College procedures and policy, guided by the faculty handbook.
"Upon receipt of a petition of grievance, the entire Committee of Adjudication shall determine whether the petition merits a formal hearing … where it is determined that a petition should be heard, the Committee on Adjudication shall name three of its members to a Hearing Board. The President shall receive a complete statement of the Board's summary and recommendations," the handbook states.
"I trust that the procedures [outlined in the handbook] will provide for the fair evaluation of my work," said Godfrey. "I want to thank all of the faculty, students and staff who have provided support and counsel, it means a great deal to me."
"I love teaching here and I feel like I have made a big commitment to Amherst College, which has generously supported my work," said Godfrey. "I was deeply involved in the renovation of [Fayerweather Hall], which I think demonstrates my commitment to this school."
Some of Godfrey's colleagues and students also expressed their concern. "I'm just so disappointed," said Professor of Fine Arts Nicola Courtright, who is the chair of the department. "[Godfrey] is an acclaimed, nationally and internationally recognized artist who has added a great deal to the department," said Courtright. "I love his art, he's a great teacher and a terrific guy to talk with to about art past and present."