By Linda Waggener, assistant director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Dr. Michael V. Carter told his University family in the 24th annual recognition service April 27, “It is you who create the heart of this organization. Of all the joys we’ve experienced in this incredible Centennial year, it is the stories I hear of your special care of our students that make me most proud. Thank you for your servant leadership.”
Faculty members, staff and coaches of Campbellsville University were honored in the Winters Dining Hall for years of based on five-year increments.
Tommy R. Clark was recognized for 35 years of service as an art professor. “Focus on the good results of students choosing Campbellsville University,” he said. Clark shared highlights of several of his art students from across the years who have gone on to enjoy careers in such areas as owning businesses, writing and illustrating Christian children’s books and becoming muralists.
Three retiring faculty members were recognized: Bobby Graham, custodian, who worked from July 1, 1999 to Jan. 13, 2007; Dr. J. Kenneth Martin, professor of music, who was employed from Aug. 1, 1985 to Dec. 31, 2006 and Sylvia L. Morris, dean of career services and counseling, who worked from Sept. 1, 1978 to June 30, 2007.
A special recognition was given in memory of Dr. L. Beth Kemper, associate professor of English, who was killed in a car accident July 22, 2006. She had been employed at CU since August 1995.
Her parents accepted the resolution from the Board of Trustees presented by Carter who said, “The entire campus community was stunned at her loss. We share a deep love for her and the enthusiasm she brought to us and offer this on this day of recognition to show our appreciation.”
Recognized for 25 years of service were: Julie G. Caldwell, administrative assistant in purchasing; Linda J. Cundiff, professor and chair of department of art; Dr. J. Robert Gaddis, dean of the School of Music and professor; Dr. M. Wesley Roberts, professor of music, and Joan C. Stansbury, secretary in campus ministries/church relations special projects.
One person, Dr. Janet L. Miller, chair of the division of math and professor of mathematics, was recognized for 20 years.
Those recognized for 15 years included : Merle “Betty” Hatfield, secretary for the School of Theology; Dr. Vernon E. Roddy, professor of economics; Dr. Sarah J. Stafford, associate professor of English and Dr. S. Pamela Zhu, professor of education.
Those having served ten years: C. Keith Adkins, head men’s basketball coach; Roger D. Foster, assistant professor of business administration; Christopher M. Gibbs, coordinator of administrative support services; Troy D. Handley, groundskeeper; Deborah A. Lollar, assistant comptroller; Dr. Jeanette J. Parker, assistant professor of psychology; Emma C. Revis, director of foundation relations; Amanda M. Smith, secretary to vice president for finance and administration; Norman R. Smith, grounds keeper team leader, and Dr. Mary H. Wilgus, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of history.
The largest group included employees at the five-year mark: Dr. Chris T. Bullock, assistant professor of mathematics; Karla Deaton, coordinator for graduate and extended programs; Jo Ann Harris, secretary of physical plant; Tim Q. Hooper, archivist; Scott A. Hortness, assistant baseball coach; Timothy M. Judd, comptroller; J. Faun Lobb, admissions counselor; Dr. Sunny O. Onyiri, assistant professor of business and economics; Derek J. Port, head athletic trainer;
Dr. Brenda A. Priddy, associate professor and dean of the School of Education; Kevin D. Propes, assistant director of center for introductory studies; Abigail W. Parish, women’s head soccer coach; Hermano J. Queiroz, coordinator of network services; Sandra E. Riggs, electronic resources/bibliographical instruction librarian; Dr. Teresa J. Spurling, assistant professor of education; Shannon Thomas, director of the Tuggle-Morris Wellness center; Kellie P. Vaughn, secretary/office assistant for the Office of the President; Donna E. Wilson, student accounts clerk, and James Woolums, director of Louisville Education Center and assistant professor of education.
Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, welcomed the employees present, and recognized the faculty members who were promoted at the CU Board of Trustees’ meeting April 24.
They are: Dr. Chris Bullock to associate professor of mathematics; Dr. Glenn McQuaide to associate professor of biology; Dr. Sunny Onyiri to associate professor of business and accounting, and E. Kay Sutton to assistant professor of chemistry.
He also recognized the faculty who received tenure – McQuaide and Dr. Robert VanEst, associate professor of education.
Joan C. Stansbury, secretary in the Office of Campus Ministries, led the invocation. The closing prayer was given by Dr. J. Robert Gaddis, professor and dean of the School of Music.
The Faculty and Staff Recognition Program was established in 1984 as a way to recognize publicly those who have served Campbellsville University. Employees are recognized for years of service, based on five-year increments, with a lapel pin or charm and a certificate. Twenty-five year recipients also receive an engraved pen and pencil desk set.
Campbellsville University, now celebrating her Centennial year, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,310 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.