Carson-Newman announces retirement of faculty and staff

(August 3, 2020) – Carson-Newman University announced retirements of faculty and staff from the spring and summer. The 15 faculty and staff members represent 482 years of service to the University.

As the senior retiree with 43 years of service, Dr. Peggy Hypes, professor of education, reflected on her tenure at the University. She said she came to teach at Carson-Newman in 1977 because she knew East Tennessee was where she wanted to live forever.

“I’ve found the faculty, administration and students wonderful. Even when I was made other offers to move, I just said no,” she said. “I just really liked the people with whom I worked and the students. Why should I move?”

She considered the many life-changing experiences her tenure afforded her, including teaching English as a second language in China during the summers that bookended the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. She served as chair of Graduate Studies when the program first began in 1988, and later served as dean of the Education Department.

“Though the people have changed, the type of person has not,” said Hypes. “All of the people in the School of Education, they’re all student-oriented; they’re all very caring. They’re all cooperative. They’re all very hard workers.”

University President Charles A. Fowler says the announcement of this retiring group is bittersweet, noting the University’s loss, but also joy for each member entering into retirement.

“It is certainly with mixed emotions that we announce these retirements. We are saddened to bid them farewell, but at the same time know they all continue to be members of our Carson-Newman family,” said Fowler. “We celebrate with them as they each begin this new chapter of life. And we are thankful for them for their work and dedication to making Carson-Newman what it is today.

“These colleagues have invested their lives into C-N students for decades,” continued Fowler. “Their investment has been substantive and will reap rewards for decades to come as their students impact their communities as servant-leaders and educated citizens. Their collective imprint on C-N is an indelible mark recognizing service, excellence and sacrifice.”

Carson-Newman Provost Jeremy Buckner echoed Fowler’s thoughts.

“How does one measure the significant contribution these beloved faculty have made over a lifetime at Carson-Newman? God has blessed the lives of countless students through these faculty members,” said Buckner. “Many will continue to teach part-time this year, demonstrating their continued love of and service to C-N. I cannot express adequately in words my admiration and love of my colleagues.”