VSU Honors Retired Faculty and Staff

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently honored faculty and staff who have retired or will retire during the 2018-2019 academic year.
 
“It is important to recognize these people for their time of service to our institution,” said Dr. David Boyd, professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science and chairman of the VSU Retirees Association. “Each has played an important part in the success of VSU.”

During the annual Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon, held on April 23, the Council on Staff Affairs and VSU Retirees Association paid tribute to 40 retiring faculty and staff members representing a combined 840 years of service to the university. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for employees who retired in past years to enjoy a visit to the campus.

“What a special day this is, as we celebrate those who have given so much to this place,” VSU President Richard A. Carvajal said at the luncheon. “I offer my sincerest thanks to every one of you for everything you have done to build this great institution. I hope that you pat yourself on the back today for the role that you have played in changing lives every day here at Valdosta State.” 

The 2018-19 retirees are:

• Lee M. Allen, professor of political science, 1993-2019
• Beverly K. Amiot, university procurement card manager, 2005-2018
• Charles E. Backes, professor of adult and career education, 1993-2019
• Hollis R. Barnett, interim head of Department of Art and Design and professor of art, 1985-2019
• Sally A. Biggs, building services worker, 2000-2018
• Olivia M. Blakely, building services worker, 2008-2019
• Joseph H. Brashier, professor of music, 1998-2019
• JoAnn Bryant, senior university buyer, 1995-2019
• William K. Buchanan, professor of finance, 1998-2019
• Sandra J. Burgman, building services worker, 2006-2019
• John G. Crowley, associate professor of history, 1994-2019
• Kenneth D. Daniels, bus operator, 1987-2018
• Holly M. Decker, postal services clerk, 1994-2019
• Marida Denson, building services worker, 1989-2019
• Iwan R. Elstak, associate professor of mathematics, 2011-2019
• Thomas Foster Jr., bus operator, 2008-2018
• Vickie L. Graham, senior lecturer of mathematics, 2001-2019
• Carl M. Hand, professor of sociology, 1994-2019
• Vinson H. Houston, computer services coordinator, 1995-2018
• Lyle M. Indergaard, professor of music, 1993-2019
• Theodore L. Johnson, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, 2013-2019
• Donna L. Jones, library technical assistant, 1991-2019
• Linnie R. Kinard, programmer analyst associate, 2001-2019
• Lars F. Leader, associate professor of instructional technology, 1999-2019
• Barbara G. Meeks, university budget analyst, 1993-2019
• Lynn C. Minor, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services, 2000-2018
• Catherine Oglesby, professor of history and coordinator of women’s and gender studies, 1997-2019
• Roy K. Pace II, senior lecturer of English, 2001-2019
• Lorrie S. Proal, senior university buyer, 2008-2019
• Andrea Jane Robinson, administrative secretary, 1997-2019
• Patricia E. Rozier, administrative coordinator, 1993-2018
• Luther C. Smith, library technical assistant, 2001-2019
• Marshall E. Spells, assistant director of recreation center facilities, 1989-2018
• James Kevin Taylor, associate director of career opportunities, 1992-2018
• Jasper D. Thomerson, professor of adult and career education, 1989-2019
• Deborah J. Van Petten, librarian assistant professor, 1990-2019
• Keith L. Washington, delivery worker, 1997-2018
• Dwight A. Wentworth, steam equipment mechanic, 2000-2019
• Vesta R. Whisler, associate professor of adult and career education, 2006-2018
• Mark F. Williams, assistant director for alcohol and other education, 1999-2019

The new retirees were automatically inducted into the VSU Retirees Association.
 
The VSU Retirees Association strives to help faculty and staff maintain their connection to the university throughout retirement by providing opportunities for them to remain involved in campus life and to serve as a resource to current faculty, staff, and students, as well as alumni.
 
The VSU Retirees Association’s home on campus, the Retiree Center, is located in University Center Room 4122.
 
On the Web:
http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/retirees/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/valdostastate/albums/72157704730259422