Longtime Professor Retires From MCC: Leaves Behind His Legacy

The communication department at Manchester Community College is receiving a major shake-up after this semester, as the department chair begins his retirement in July.

Robert Kagan has been employed with MCC since he began as an adjunct in January of 1978.  After his retirement becomes official on July 1, he is expected to be replaced by Rebecca Townsend and Albert Kim, who both teach communication and will act as co-chairs of the department.

 But Kagan stressed the he does not decide who will replace him.

“There is a strong possibility [that] Kim and Townsend will chair the department,” he said.  “Ultimately, [the decision] comes down to Provost Palmer.”

 Kagan’s 36 years at MCC began with teaching a filmmaking class in the college’s temporary buildings, or trailers.  Technology has evolved so that the filmmaking class has morphed into video filmmaking, and the trailers were replaced by the modern buildings that make up the campus today.

 Many credit him with leading the transformation of the communication offerings and facilities over the years.

“[Kagan has] paved the way for students at MCC and [CCSU],” said Erik Jenkins, who is majoring in communication. “I hope the best for your retirement.”

In the fall the communication department will be expanding again, as a new degree will be offered with classes that are not available at any other community colleges in Connecticut. Townsend paired with Brion Van Over, the newest faculty member in communication, to develop the degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. This new Associate of Arts degree is available now for registration.

What exactly does the department chair do? Townsend said the chair’s place is more of a coordinating role. She and Kim will oversee the department and make sure it is running efficiently. She said that as chairs they are not anyone’s boss, but are responsible for keeping the department running.

Townsend has been an associate professor at MCC since 2008, and will receive a promotion to full professor in the fall. She recently was awarded the Scholarly Excellence Award by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, which oversees all of Connecticut’s colleges, except for the University of Connecticut.

Townsend said she plans to continue Kagan’s good works and be as steady as possible.

“I don’t want to rock the boat,” she said.

The other co-chair ,Kim, has been a full time professor at MCC since 2006, starting as an adjunct in 2002. He founded and is the faculty advisor to Ice Radio, the MCC student radio station. He teaches Broadcast Performance, Public Speaking, and Intro. to Mass Communication, among other classes.

He agreed with Townsend about the department under their leadership.

“We want to continue the wonderful legacy Kagan has started,” said Kim.

Though Kagan is retiring, he will still be active in coming years. He will be teaching two Film Study classes at MCC. Also, he will continue organizing the International Film Festival, which he does along with Evelyn Angry-Smith on the library. Kagan will also continue teaching at Central Connecticut State University, where he has also been part time for 20 years.

Kagan also has plans outside of work during his retirement.

“I’m looking forward to cutting back on my work schedule… and I’m looking forward to more travel and taking some courses,” said Kagan. “I’m going to return as a student.”