AMHERST — In the wake of Miriam “Mim” Nelson’s announcement that she was resigning from her role as Hampshire College’s president, reactions on campus ranged from anxiety to relief.
“It feels like a really big win, even though we have a lot to do in the future,” said Connor Dodge, a member of the Hamp Rise Up movement. The group has held a sit-in in Nelson’s office for over two months.
While some students cheered Nelson’s resignation at a gathering in front of the library, not all were as encouraged by her departure.
Isaac Allison, a sophomore at Hampshire College, described the situation as unsettling.
“When the administration itself is collapsing, that’s frightening,” Allison said, adding that Nelson had seemed enthusiastic about Hampshire when she first took on her role as president.
“Everything that was happening was behind closed doors anyway,” Allison said. “I don’t know what Mim’s personal intentions or plans were, so I can’t say.”
Sarahi Silva, a press liaison for Hamp Rise Up, said that Nelson’s resignation “makes sense given the position she was put in.”
While Silva said that she is grateful for Nelson’s service to the college during a trying period, “it’s time for Hampshire College to move on and rebuild our community.”
Silva said that Hamp Rise Up already has a better understanding of the college’s financial situation and added that interim president Ken Rosenthal, who met with the group on Friday night, seems willing to work with Hamp Rise Up.
“It will look like the tearing down of secrecy,” Silva said of the college’s future.
Senior Ianka Mitchell said that she is “cautious yet hopeful” for the next stages.
Going forward, sophomore Armon Walker said that he would like to see the college’s leaders improve communication with the community, adding that many of the school’s email updates seem like “fluff” rather than “clear, concise” information regarding resources and the college’s finances.
Allison also expressed hopes for improved communication from both administration and Hamp Rise Up.
Senior Jason Ahuja said that excitement was “definitely in the air” following Nelson’s resignation.
“Not even excited in a good way,” he said, “just excited that there’s movement.”
Silva acknowledged that some students may be anxious regarding Nelson’s resignation but encouraged people to see it as a positive step forward.
But Walker isn’t so convinced.
“Our president has resigned,” Walker said. “What do you say to that?”
“For me, it’s probably pushing me more toward leaving,” he said.
Jacquelyn Voghel can be reached at jvoghel@gazettenet.com.