Four announce retirement from Carson-Newman this fall

Four members of Carson-Newman’s faculty and staff announced retirements in 2021. The group marks 103 years of total service to the University.

Sheryl Gray, C-N’s registrar, will retire in early January after 35 years of service to the University. She said the transition is bitter sweet.

“I will miss my community in so many ways. I’ll miss working with faculty, with students, and fellow staff members,” Gray said. “I always felt like we were a big team. When I would talk to other people that left here and went to work at other schools, it’s definitely different. One of our strongest suits is that we are not out for each individual office, but we’re here for the good of the student and the institution.”

In reflecting on her time at C-N, Gray said she loved seeing students grow academically as well as spiritually. “My biggest joy is to see a student cross the stage and be awarded a degree. That’s what we’re all about.”

Gray joins colleagues Connie Kenyon, Valerie Stephens and Susie Trentham, each retiring during the fall semester. University President Charles A. Fowler commended each for their work. “There are many attributes that make this university special. Among the top of those reasons are our faculty and staff,” said Fowler. “They are the ones who work tirelessly to welcome our students each year to campus and to walk alongside them throughout their college years. These four individuals represent some of the very best of our Carson-Newman family. It is their hard work and devotion that has helped Carson-Newman become the University it is today. For that, we are all indebted.”

Those retiring this semester:

Sheryl Gray, university registrar- 35 years

Connie Kenyon, enterprise systems programmer/analyst- 23 years

Valerie Stephens, director for Online and Distance Learning- 23 years

Susie Trentham, director for Advancement- 22 years