Six retiring Brenau professors were named professors emeriti this spring, following a combined 138 years of service at the university.
Among them is Dr. Carolyn Giberson, Brenau’s longest-serving faculty member. Giberson taught chemistry and other science courses at Brenau for 36 years.
Biology Department Chair Jessi Shrout, Ph. D., spoke on Giberson’s behalf at a luncheon held in the retirees’ honor. Shrout shared how Giberson impacted her both as a colleague and when she was a student in The Women’s College.
“She did everything in her power to ensure that her students thrived, both academically and personally. We should all do the same,” Shrout said. “In reflecting on Dr. Giberson’s legacy, I find myself in awe of the profound impact she had on our institution and the lives she has touched. Her dedication, humility and her quiet leadership set a remarkable example for all who have had the privilege of working with her.”
Bill Haney taught business courses for 23 years at Brenau as well as serving as dean of the College of Business and Communication. He told his colleagues at the luncheon about how, when asked by then-President Jack Burd and then-Provost Helen Ray, he estimated he’d be at Brenau for six or seven years. He ended up staying three times that.
“And why? Because this is an extraordinary place, filled with extraordinary people, working with extraordinary students to make our graduates extraordinary. That’s why I stayed so long,” he said.
Other faculty members honored as professors emeriti are:
- Gay Hammond, director of WonderQuest and theater professor, 26 years of service;
- Kathryn Locey, English and humanities chair and professor of English, 21 years of service;
- Linda Kern, dean of library services and professor, 17 years of service;
- Eugene Williams, dean of the College of Education, 15 of service.
Three other faculty and staff members retired at the end of the academic year: Israel Collins, who taught in the College of Education for 10 years; Jill Hayes, who taught for 15 years in the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing; and Barbara Wilson, who served as registrar, with 16 years of service to Brenau.
