This year, Birmingham-Southern College is recognizing 48 faculty and staff members for milestones in their years of service on the Hilltop. We asked our faculty and staff a little bit about their time at BSC to celebrate this honor.

What is a memorable moment from your time at BSC?

“During GALA weekends (over the span of several years) I met and did wardrobe services for women of honor – including Paloma Picasso – as well as a U.S. Surgeon General, U.S. Ambassadors, and so many more. Also, the theatre department took a touring production to Edinburgh, Scotland. We were there working and performing for two glorious weeks at the Fringe Festival, one of the world’s largest creative arts festivals!” – Patti Jones Manning, Costumer (40 years)

“Singing a duet of the BSC alma mater with Dr. Fred Ashe to a crowd as we all watched a crane lift the final cap to the bell tower in the academic quad.” – Dr. Mark Lester, W. Michael Atchison Professor of History (30 years)

“One of my fondest memories involves a young man I met working at a local fast food restaurant. I had just met his mom – who noticed my BSC t-shirt – at Walmart and struck up a conversation about the College. She told me about her son, who was committed to another local college but had mentioned having an interest in BSC. With her permission, I drove to where he was working, introduced myself, and invited him to come for a campus visit. He enrolled, and ten years later he still calls me his second mom.” – Tina Reedy, Bursar (30 years)

“When President Clinton came to campus. As he was leaving, his limousine drove right past me, and he waved.” – Michelle Hampton, Southern Environmental Center Office Assistant (25 years)

“My first day returning to work as a rehire in 2004. It was like returning home again. I worked at BSC from 1988 to 1996 and then spent eight years as a stay-at-home mom. BSC gave me the chance to reenter the workplace again. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.” – Leslie McGraw ’92, Interim Controller (25 years)

“Years ago, my husband Thomas and I started bringing our Airstream trailer to the Homecoming football games to tailgate. One year, we had lunch for over 200 alumni, faculty, staff, and students at our Airstream on the hill above Krulak Stadium. It was so wonderful seeing old friends reconnect and catch up with each other. Even long after the football game was over, alumni and friends stuck around to visit just a little longer with one another. It was a marvelous day to be a member of the BSC community!” – Jennifer Waters ’86, Director of Alumni Engagement (25 years)

“Perhaps my most memorable BSC experience over the past 20 years occurred just a couple of weeks into my very first semester. Just a few minutes after beginning class – PS 235: Introduction to International Relations – a student came running into the room, shouting, ‘Dr. G, you need to turn on a TV! Two planes have just hit the World Trade Center!’ Needless to say, the course suddenly took a different direction.” – Dr. Vince Gawronski, Professor of Political Science (20 years)

“One of my favorite memories since starting at BSC is playing in a women’s intramural league for flag football. Lots of women faculty and staff members joined and it was super fun. We started out being totally clueless and physically, we were outmatched by the younger student teams, but by the end of the season, we ended up being runners up, thanks to the coaching expertise of Dr. VanZandt.” – Dr. Megan Gibbons, Professor of Biology (20 years)

“I began offering an E-Term trip to Europe geared toward senior business students in 2009, and I have such fond memories of each trip. I particularly enjoy hearing from students years later who tell me how much that trip still means to them.” – Dr. Bert Morrow, Associate Professor of Business Administration (20 years)

“Attending the BSC football games with my family and watching my son serve as a ball kid for Joe Dean.” – Kim Burnett, Director of Advancement Services (5 years)

“Homecoming 2019 was a pivotal moment for our football program as well as our campus. Under the lights of General Charles C. Krulak Stadium, we upset the (then) #7 team in the country. The win that night was an accumulation of hard work put in by countless people over the three years leading up to that. I will never forget sharing those memories with our team, former players that were visiting, families, fans, and our coaching staff.” – Anthony Colucci, Offensive Coordinator (5 years)

What’s your favorite place on campus?

“My favorite place on campus would have to be the cafeteria. It’s a place where you can sit and have conversations with friends on campus and interact with the students. I feel that working in a campus environment keeps me feeling younger.” – Mike Camp, Lead HVAC Technician and EPA Coordinator (35 years)

“My palatial office I acquired after the remodeling of the Humanities Building. Don’t tell – it is nicer than the president’s office.” – Dr. Mark Lester

“The Underground Theatre is one of my favorite places, for sure. I’m blessed with so many memories of student discoveries and accomplishments in that small black box space. Over the years, students have brought their best as learners, technicians, designers, students, leaders, and collaborators to The Underground. This small black box theatre – which has also been a constant classroom – percolates with positive energy.” – Dr. Alan Litsey, Professor of Theatre (30 years)

“My favorite place on campus is the EcoScape. I love going to the garden and looking at the sculptures or watching the pollinators all over the native plants that are growing there. I also really like walking on the trails. It feels like you’ve left the campus and are just exploring some woods. A lot of BSC students have never walked around in the EcoScape, so for most of my classes, I find ways to get them to visit.” – Dr. Megan Gibbons

“The ginkgo trees! I have loved ginkgo trees all my life. When I was little, there were pictures of them in one of my favorite books, but we didn’t have them growing where I lived. When I came to campus to interview, I saw those gorgeous ginkgo trees and it just felt like a sign I was supposed to be at BSC.” – Dr. Gay Barnes, Assistant Professor of Education (5 years)

“Preston Goldfarb Soccer Field. I grew up watching both soccer programs as a kid, and now I get to coach the women.” – Katelyn Geddings, Head Coach for Women’s Soccer (5 years)

What have you seen change during your time at BSC?

“I’ve seen quite a lot of change in the 25+ years I’ve been on staff. I’ve worked for six presidents in two distinctly different director roles. I’ve seen incoming classes of 450 freshmen who represented over 20 different states and nine countries. I’ve seen loyal faculty and staff take salary and benefit cuts when the College fell on tough financial times; their love for BSC, and their belief that things would get better kept them here. I’ve seen BSC rise like a phoenix from the ashes more than once, and I believe we will continue to triumph over challenges, particularly under the leadership of President Coleman.” – Jennifer Waters ’86

“There are many new ways for students to learn and many new ways for professors to assign content. At one time, most of our assignments were in books. Now, in addition to books, we incorporate podcasts, Netflix documentaries, expert guest speakers via Zoom, simulations, and articles and case studies from a wide variety of sources.” – Dr. Mary Harrison, Associate Professor of Marketing (10 years)

“During the summer of 2017, I was part of a faculty and staff workgroup that proposed and initiated online format options for summer courses. I think our slogan was something like ‘Take BSC Home with You.’ Who knew that 2020 was around the corner and that we would be leaning on online learning more than ever? It’s been exciting to see the BSC community remain a residential College that utilizes online learning successfully.” – Dr. Jessica Allen, Assistant Professor of Psychology (5 years)

“Faces. Lots of faces come and go but one thing remains steady: the feeling of family. The support each person gives to their coworkers and the students is unmeasurable.” – Kim Burnett

“I have experienced firsthand the evolution of the media and film studies program, with students interested in working with each other and taking on more ambitious projects. I am also happy to see a growing spirit of collaboration between all the performing and visual arts programs.” – Dr. Teddy Champion, Assistant Professor of Media Studies (5 years)

“I feel as though the last few years has been a time of revitalization and excitement. The tuition reset, leadership changes, how our faculty, staff, and students handled the pandemic – all of it demonstrates our resiliency and shared dedication to our mission.” – Peter Crow, Advancement Operations Coordinator (5 years)

What’s an event or tradition you look forward to every year?

“Every year, I look forward to when graduating seniors ring the bell on top of the Humanities Building on the last day of class. I think retirees should get to ring it on their last day, too!” – Martha Ann Stevenson, Assistant Provost (35 years)

“I love the Sloss Furnace Iron Pour that the art department sponsors every year in the fall. It’s such a laid-back event, with live music and a really wonderful demonstration of making cast iron art. I have several pieces from attending this event over the years.” – Dr. Megan Gibbons

“In the business department during January, we give teams $500 and ask them to start and run a business for about a month in the Joseph S. Bruno Entrepreneurship Challenge. There have been some really impressive teams over the years. In 2018, 2019, and 2020, we connected Venture for America fellows with our senior capstone teams to serve as mentors. It was exciting to match these two innovative entrepreneurial programs, and see what teams could do!” – Dr. Mary Harrison

“I love Honors Day because it gives me the chance to see the work faculty and students are doing across campus. I’ve really enjoyed sitting in on presentations in economics, political science, sociology, history, and other disciplines. I’ve enjoyed seeing chemists show up for poetry readings. This is the sort of thing we should celebrate.” – Joseph Stitt, Associate Lecturer of English (10 years)

“It is not a guaranteed event, but so far, we have gotten to jump in the pool when our team wins the conference championship every year.”  – Charlie Dunham, Diving Coach (5 years)

“I enjoy the times we mark transitions with ceremony, such as the opening convocation at the start of a new school year and graduation at the school year’s end. The transitions are exciting times for students, those just starting their experiences at BSC, and the graduates moving on as alumni. Now that I have enjoyed five years here at BSC, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing two cohorts of students experience these ceremonies that mark their BSC journey. I am honored to be a part of this period of growth in the lives of our students.” – Dr. Katie Gibbs, Assistant Professor of Biology (5 years)

“The Carol Service has been special to me since I sang in it as a student. The holiday season is always busy, and those few hours surrounded by beautiful music and words help me catch my breath and refocus. Over the years, I’ve attended with groups of friends, and a favorite memory is introducing my now-husband to the service early in our relationship. I’m looking forward to expanding our tradition to include our little boy when he’s old enough.” – Katy Smith ’04, Assistant Director of Internships (5 years)

What advice would you give to a current BSC student?

“My precious daughter is a rising junior here at BSC. The advice I’ve given her is to take advantage of every opportunity to grow, to be challenged, and to have fun. I encourage her to stretch herself –academically and socially. I challenge her to have conversations with people who believe the opposite of what she believes. I love a line from the movie ‘We Bought a Zoo’ that Matt Damon shares with his son: ‘You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.’ That’s great advice for a college student.” – Jennifer Waters ’86

“You came to BSC, at least in part, because of its small class sizes. Take advantage of this and get to know your professors. Drop by for an office visit from time to time and develop a personal relationship. This relationship can benefit you long after you’ve left BSC.” – Dr. Bert Morrow

“Every day, list three things that you must complete. Do those things first before anything else. Students have told me that procrastination is the biggest stressor that they deal with.” – Dr. Mary Harrison

“In your journey toward academic success, prioritize your self-care and give yourself grace every day.” – Cara Blakes, Director of Counseling (5 years)

“Find subjects that interest you and take a variety of classes in different departments, even if they don’t check a box for graduation requirements. Make an effort to talk to your professors – we like to hear about what’s going on with you, even about topics outside of the class subject.” – Dr. Teddy Champion

“This can be a stressful time in your life with all your obligations. Make sure to enjoy yourself and have some fun along the way. When you look back on this, you will not remember the things that stressed you out.” – Charlie Dunham

“When you consider your post-college goals, take into account everything that makes a good life. For most people, happiness is more than career status or money. Don’t get so caught up trying to meet a narrow definition of success that you don’t have time or energy for your family, your community, or yourself. Think about all the things that matter to you and make sure you incorporate space for those things as you pursue your professional goals.” – Katy Smith ’04

What is your favorite part of your job?

“I’m a creative problem solver and collaborated for many theatre productions, and my students are my kids. I mentor them, but also, I’m a shoulder to cry on. I listen to them. They know that I care about them.” – Patti Jones Manning

“There are so many up sides to my job. I have the best boss, Roald Hazelhoff, whom I’ve worked with for 20+ years. I educate people about my favorite topic, the importance of a healthy environment, and make a positive difference for the world’s future.” – Michelle Hampton

“First and foremost is the teaching. I love teaching, and I love seeing students learn. On a different note, I have recently taken over the job as pre-law advisor, and this was my first full year in that position. While there is a bit of a learning curve, my predecessor, Dr. Ashe, left me well prepared to step in. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students to get them prepared for law school, from prepping for the LSAT to helping them with their personal statements. It is very gratifying to hear from students as they get their law school acceptance letters.” – Dr. Bill Myers, Professor of Philosophy (25 years)

“I like it when I can encourage students to pursue truth-seeking in a wholehearted way instead of assuming that the fashionable answer among people who are like them is the right one. When I see a student dig through detailed data and work through challenging arguments to discover an answer they can defend well beyond ‘everyone knows that,’ I am happy.” – Joseph Stitt

“I love the ability to have a one-on-one relationship with so many students. My favorite part of my job probably is when students follow up post-graduation to tell me about all their adventures, jobs, and graduate school success.” – Dr. Jessica Allen

“I love training young scientists in the process of studying the world. Biology can be exciting, awe-inspiring, and at times, frustrating and tedious. Sometimes students don’t realize that our struggles through the hard parts help us learn much more than we ever anticipated. Persistence can turn something that seems like a mistake or a failure into success.” – Dr. Katie Gibbs

• • •

Thank you for your years on the Hilltop! Here is our full list of 2021 Service Award Recipients:

50 Years: Janice Poplau
Read about her half-century on the Hilltop here.

40 Years: Patti Jones Manning

35 Years: Mike Camp, Steve Cole, Martha Ann Stevenson, and David Ullrich

30 Years: Mark Lester, Alan Litsey, and Tina Reedy

25 Years: Michelle Hampton, Leslie Sims McGraw ’92, Bill Myers, Greg Vinson ’96, and Jennifer Waters ’86

20 Years: Tynes Cowan, Darryl Cox, Scott Dorman, Vincent Gawronski, Megan Gibbons, George Klersey, and Bert Morrow

15 Years: Art Adams, Tim Smith, Pete VanZandt, and Jan Weisberg

10 Years: Mary Harrison, Joseph Stitt, Toby Wilcox, and Marilyn Witherspoon-Rawls

5 Years: Jessica Allen, GK Armstrong ’92, Gay Barnes, Cara Blakes, Kim Burnett, Teddy Champion, Anthony Colucci, Robert Corna, Peter Crow, Charlie Dunham, Chuck Evans, Katelyn Geddings, Katie Gibbs, Logan Harris ’14, JD Hulse ’11, Dasha Maye, Rebekah Pine Parker ’09, Katy Smith ’04, and Tony Joe White

Five faculty members were also awarded emeritus status in recognition of their notable service to and retirement from the College:

Dr. Jane Archer, Professor Emerita of English
Dr. Fred Ashe, Professor Emeritus of English
Dr. John Tatter, Professor Emeritus of English
Michael Flowers, Professor Emeritus of Theatre
Dr. Steven Hendley, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy