At the end of this semester, some professors who have been teaching at OCU for decades will be heading into retirement, while others will leave to pursue new opportunities.
One of these professors is Dr. Blue Clark, a history and law professor and former vice president for academic affairs.
“I believe my 24 years at OCU have been magical,” he said. “I’ve grown intellectually from my experiences and I’ve been able to travel overseas for the university. As far as I’m aware, I am the only American to host a banquet inside People’s Hall in Tiananmen square in China. I’ve always been impressed by students, faculty, and administrators on this campus. I take away many, many wonderful memories.”
Nathan Moelling, history junior, said he will miss Clark.
“Blue Clark has by far been my favorite professor in my three years on campus, he brings much laughter to the classroom with his animated teaching style, humorous wordplay and assortment of oversized bowties,” said Nathan Moelling, history junior.
Dr. Lois Lawler-Brown, professor of education and chairwoman of the department, has worked for the university for the past ten years.
“I will miss my colleagues in the Education department and in the College of Arts and Sciences and many other colleagues across campus,” she said. “I will especially miss my students. OCU students are caring, committed, and service oriented. I love being in the classroom with them.”
In her new free time she plans to continue teaching in the community.
“Probably volunteering in my community with English language learners. I will definitely spend time with family and friends. I also plan to learn how to play golf,” Brown said.
Dr. Harbour Winn, English professor and director of the center for interpersonal studies through film and literature, will also be retiring at the end of this semester. However, he plans to stay on as adjunct faculty and teach overseas courses in Singapore.
He also will continue as director of the film institute for at least another year, after which Tracy Floreani, English professor and department chairwoman, will take over. Winn’s position as professor in Petree will not be replaced.
Some professors from the school of theater also plan to move on from OCU at the end of the semester including
- Yoon Bae, visiting professor of scenic design;
- Stephen Wrentmore, adjunct theater professor, and
- Heidi O’Hare, assistant professor of costume design.
They will not be retiring, however.
According to an email from Ashley Bright, student services and marketing director, O’Hare is leaving to pursue freelance designing projects while Bae and Wrentmore are returning to the United Kingdom to take on other job opportunities.
Other departures from the university include Todd Rust, assistant director of campus technology; Christen Marks, administrative assistant, and Wrestling Coach Archie Randall, according to an email from OCU’s human resources department.
According to the same email, Steven Bittle, IT support manager, will replace Rust.
Contributing: Miguel Rios, Editor-in-Chief.
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