Dear colleagues, (I apologize for the quick timeline and the fact that many are traveling, but I would appreciate responses on this, both positive and negative, sent to Leticia and me by Monday if at all possible in case we decide to move forward.) A number of you have expressed to me concerns about diversity in job searches in mathematics. A commitment to hiring candidates who will help us serve members of underrepresented groups is a top priority of the College as well. When Leticia and I met with Associate Dean Belmonte for her approval of our slate of candidates, we also discussed diversity issues with her and noted that we had identified some very strong candidates outside of our areas of urgent need, numerical analysis/computational PDE and analysis. We noted that we wished we had a third line open given the strength of the candidates. Associate Dean Belmonte suggested that we make a case for a third position on loan against a future retirement, and I wrote on Wednesday to make such a case. Leticia and I had looked carefully at all candidates suggested by the faculty, and we decided to present the two candidates we thought were extremely strong mathematically, were outstanding teachers, and in addition had demonstrated a commitment to diversity: Eloísa Grifo (commutative algebra) and Carmen Rovi (topology). The Dean's office was very enthusiastic about these candidates and today offered us an additional position as a loan to try to hire one of these two. I am asking for your feedback on this possibility. I am strongly inclined to accept this offer for reasons beyond diversity considerations; namely, I think it is best to grab a position when we can and not gamble on getting permission to fill it later. We will have a new Dean next year, and we have no idea what her or his priorities will be. Additionally, the state budget situation has continued to deteriorate significantly, and gas and oil prices are very low right now, which will have an effect in the coming years. Please let Leticia and me know how you feel about this as soon as possible. Happy holidays and best wishes for a restful break. Best, Chris -- Chris Francisco Professor and Head Department of Mathematics Oklahoma State University Office: 401 MSCS Phone: (405) 744-8225 E-mail: chris.francisco@okstate.edu