I recently learned of the resignation of Psychology department Distinguished Professor Dan Reschly and am led to believe the major impetus for his leaving is the questionable future status of Iowa State’s School Psychology Program, which he directs.

His impending departure, to me, one of his former students, is incomprehensible. Dan Reschly has had a tremendous impact on the field of educational and school psychology at both the state and national levels, and his persistent attempts to link research to practice in the fuzzy-headed, crystal-ball-reading field of education is known worldwide. The ISU School Psychology Program is considered to be one of the top five programs in the country, and his students are sought after nationally.

For the Department of Psychology and ISU to diminish support for the School Psychology Program and Dr. Reschly’s role in its development and continuation is academically and even ethically irresponsible. It demonstrates a marked disregard for excellence in pedagogy and scholarship.

As one who has benefited immensely from his instruction, mentoring and counsel, I am completely bewildered about the conditions that exist that have resulted in his resignation. This is a sad state of affairs for higher education in Iowa, for ISU and for its psychology department, which Dan Reschly single-handedly brought into the national limelight in the early 1980s. This turn of events is extremely disappointing.

Bill Matthew, Ph.D.

ISU Alumnus

Delano, Calif.