2008 Woodie Awards
Beloved faculty will shift their roles this year
Anna Sohn
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
No expense is spared in the courtship of prospective students at Drew University, but few attractions speak as loudly as the sentiments of those who have committed a lifetime to the University. Retiring Professor of Humanities Merrill Skaggs, Professor of History Perry Leavell, and Dean Edye Lawler described their upcoming plans and the new stage of their relationship with Drew.
Skaggs began teaching at Drew in the fall of 1962. During her retirement, she plans to continue her research into the archives at Drew. "I think this is the right time to leave," Skaggs said.
Leavell is a professor of history as well as the chair of the history department. He began teaching in 1967 and will take a sabbatical before retiring in December. His sabbatical plans will take him to California for research.
Leavell was matter-of-fact about deciding to retire. "I'm going to be 70 in May," he said. "Now's the time to retire."
Edye Lawler, Dean of Educational Affairs and a professor of German, is preparing for a different transition. Lawler's career at Drew began in 1967 and she has served in a range of roles including German professor, faculty advisor and even a year and a half as an interim dean for the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. She will leave for sabbatical in June and before returning in a year as a professor.
"I will miss working with students, no question about it," Lawler said with regards to her sabbatical.
Lawler took a practical view of what is to come. "Drew is poised in a positive direction and I think the CLA first-year experience is very beneficial to students," she said.
Their respective retirement plans may take them to different places, but both Skaggs and Leavell agreed that their connection to Drew will remain. "I'm sure I'll be here often. I live near campus and it will remain the center of my intellectual and social life," Skaggs said.
Leavell had similar views. "I'll have a continued association with Drew."
Skaggs had no regrets. "I'm glad I spent my life this way."
In reference to becoming a professor again, Lawler said, "The University has always been extraordinarily kind to me," she said. "I look forward to coming to work at Drew every day."
Skaggs began teaching at Drew in the fall of 1962. During her retirement, she plans to continue her research into the archives at Drew. "I think this is the right time to leave," Skaggs said.
Leavell is a professor of history as well as the chair of the history department. He began teaching in 1967 and will take a sabbatical before retiring in December. His sabbatical plans will take him to California for research.
Leavell was matter-of-fact about deciding to retire. "I'm going to be 70 in May," he said. "Now's the time to retire."
Edye Lawler, Dean of Educational Affairs and a professor of German, is preparing for a different transition. Lawler's career at Drew began in 1967 and she has served in a range of roles including German professor, faculty advisor and even a year and a half as an interim dean for the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. She will leave for sabbatical in June and before returning in a year as a professor.
"I will miss working with students, no question about it," Lawler said with regards to her sabbatical.
Lawler took a practical view of what is to come. "Drew is poised in a positive direction and I think the CLA first-year experience is very beneficial to students," she said.
Their respective retirement plans may take them to different places, but both Skaggs and Leavell agreed that their connection to Drew will remain. "I'm sure I'll be here often. I live near campus and it will remain the center of my intellectual and social life," Skaggs said.
Leavell had similar views. "I'll have a continued association with Drew."
Skaggs had no regrets. "I'm glad I spent my life this way."
In reference to becoming a professor again, Lawler said, "The University has always been extraordinarily kind to me," she said. "I look forward to coming to work at Drew every day."
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