This is really not a huge deal
I would even venture to say that this is one of the better times this could happen
I would assume their OCI is long over, and 1Ls do a lot of their own job searching.
The director's biggest time of the year is probably over the summer, coordinating various interview sessions and getting new employers to come to the school. This honestly might be as convenient a time as any to peace-out
Now, it was kind of abrupt, this is true, but maybe there was a just a great opportunity somewhere else that this dean wanted to jump on
Also, don't forget to read the dean of the law school's response, which was sent directly to David Lat, showing just how much influence this guy is starting to build.
http://www.abovethelaw.com/2007/11/whats_going_on_at_emory_law_sc_1.php#more