By: Aisha Marilyn Abdulbary-Knotts | Staff Writer
Graphic drawn by Gen Orkhon
A wave of voluntary buyouts offered to tenured faculty has led to significant turnover in the University of Lynchburg’s psychology department, prompting questions about the program’s future as several longtime professors prepare to depart.
Among them is Dr. Nicki Favero, PsyD, a professor of psychology who has spent 15 years at Lynchburg. Favero, who earned tenure in 2017 and was promoted to full professor in May 2024, said the decision to accept the buyout was not easy.
“I’m still not sure if it’s the right choice,” Favero said. “I really love teaching.”
Favero said she applied for the buyout as part of a universitywide effort that required faculty members to submit applications rather than simply opt in. She said she and her colleagues did not anticipate how many psychology faculty members would ultimately be accepted.
“It was an application, and it wasn’t guaranteed,” she said. “I don’t think any of us in psych anticipated that so many people would go or be accepted.”
Her decision was influenced in part by her background as a clinical psychologist and a regional shortage of practitioners. She plans to return to clinical work, focusing on testing and therapy, while potentially teaching on an adjunct basis.
“There’s a huge shortage of clinical psychologists in this area,” she said. “When this came up, it seemed like a sign that it was time.”
Dr. Nicki Favero, PsyD, Professor of Psychology; Photo via: University of Lynchburg
Virginia A. Cylke, a professor who has spent 21 years at Lynchburg, is also departing through the buyout program. Cylke described the decision as both frightening and hopeful.
“Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to do next, and that uncertainty is genuinely terrifying,” Cylke said. “At the same time, I know I’m ready for a change.”
Cylke said turning 50 marked a pivotal moment in her decision.
“That felt like a meaningful milestone — a point where taking a leap of faith seemed not only possible, but appropriate,” she said. “You never know if your choices are right or wrong until you make them.”
She acknowledged that she is in a financially secure position that made the decision possible.
“The buyout provides a cushion that allows me the space to explore what comes next,” she said.
While multiple departures represent a significant portion of the department, Cylke said she remains confident in the remaining faculty.
“The colleagues who are remaining are exceptional,” she said. “I trust their judgment, and I believe they will make thoughtful, student-centered decisions moving forward.”
She said foundational courses will continue to be covered, though some specialized electives and research opportunities tied to individual faculty expertise may shift as new hires bring different strengths.
“In many ways, that kind of shift is a natural part of academic life,” Cylke said. “The core stays steady, and the more specialized focus adapts over time.”
Dr. Virginia Cylke, Professor of Psychology; Photo via University of Lynchburg
Favero emphasized that graduation timelines should not be affected.
“I’ve seen the schedule for next year,” she said. “We’ve done a good job of making sure that those classes will be there. I don’t think it should impact any graduation.”
Still, she acknowledged that fewer full-time professors could mean fewer research opportunities.
“If you have fewer professors, you have fewer research opportunities,” she said, adding that she hopes the university will eventually hire additional faculty.
For students, however, uncertainty has created anxiety.
Emersen Paukert, a member of the Class of 2029 and a psychology major, said she was shocked by how many professors accepted the buyout.
“I was concerned about how I would be able to continue my education at this university,” Paukert said. “I’m worried that the department will be forgotten about and pushed under the rug.”
She also cited concerns about heavier workloads for remaining faculty and limited class options.
“More classes will get cut, leaving less opportunity for one-on-one with instructors,” she said.
Madison Meador ’28 said she was surprised universities could even offer buyouts.
“It was initially really shocking,” Meador said. “I was also confused as to why that’s what the administration chose to do.”
Meador, who is entering upper-level psychology courses, said she worries about the quality of her academic experience.
“My biggest concern is the integrity of my future education within the psych department,” she said. “I don’t believe they were transparent about how this would impact students or research opportunities.”
Willow Martin ’26, said she was “shocked, but not surprised.”
“Over half the professors are leaving, which will impact one of the biggest majors on campus,” Martin said. “I genuinely don’t know who is going to teach the courses I need to graduate.”
Martin expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of communication from university leadership.
“I’d like the university to actually tell people what is happening,” she said. “Students want honesty.”
Martin said she believes the university has failed to communicate clearly with students.
“The university has done absolutely nothing to communicate,” she said. “They need to own up to what they are doing and actually tell people what is happening.”
She said she fears the broader direction of the institution.
Paukert echoed those concerns.
“The university has not said a single thing about the professors leaving, nor have they reassured what will happen to the department,” she said. “Communication needs to be prioritized.”
Cylke encouraged students to remain steady during the transition.
“Trust the process,” she said. “The psychology faculty who are staying are deeply committed to the program and to students. There may be an adjustment period, but the foundation remains solid.”
Favero offered similar advice.
“Take it one semester at a time,” she said. “Don’t make any rash decisions. Just kind of see how things evolve.”
Both departing professors said they plan to remain accessible to students. Cylke said she will continue to celebrate former students’ milestones and remain available for mentorship. Favero said she intends to maintain professional connections and potentially teach part-time.
“It’s a very bittersweet ending,” Favero said.
University officials have not yet publicly addressed how the open positions will be handled. As the department prepares for significant change, students and faculty alike are watching closely to see what the next semester will bring.