Congratulations to Reich College of Education (RCOE) faculty members who retired during the 2019-2020 academic year:
- Dr. Hunter Boylan
- Dr. Phillip Johnson
- Dr. Elin Hoffman
- Dr. James M. Lancaster
- Dr. George Olson
- Dr. Alvin Proffit
- Dr. David Wiley
Boylan retired from the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies in August 2019 after nearly 40 years at Appalachian. He also served as the director of the National Center for Developmental Education. “I'm most looking forward to exploring areas of endeavor other than my job,” said Boylan when asked what about retirement he is most looking forward to. “I've sacrificed a lot in the service of the university and my field. It's now time to pursue other interests and enjoy other things while continuing to do research on topics I find interesting.”
"Pick a topic that interests you and think about it, talk about it with colleagues, research it, present on it, and write about it until you are a genuine expert," noted Boylan on advice to faculty beginning their career.
Johnson has served a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and director of the RCOE’s Math and Science Education Center for the past 15 years. He retired in December 2019 Though he looked forward to not being tied to a schedule, Johnson said, “I will miss the camaraderie of my colleagues.”
Hoffman is retiring after 12 years with the Department of Reading Education and Special Education where she served as an associate professor.
Lancaster, a professor in the Department of Human Development Psychological Counseling, is retiring after 18 years at Appalachian. In retirement, he is looking forward to new projects in writing, traveling and home projects.
"It is not always or even usually a straight line journey; often the detours take you to the most interesting places. Always be open to a new challenge," said Lancaster when asked about advice to faculty beginning their career.
Olson, a professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, is retiring after 29 years with Appalachian.
Proffit, an associate professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, is retiring after 14 years with Appalachian.
Wiley offered this advice to faculty beginning their career: "Embrace the change. Leadership, curricula, students, colleagues: everything changes. Be ready so that you ride the front of the wave and not let it overwhelm you. Strive to establish balanced and related teaching, scholarship, and service agendas; and schedule time for self. But more importantly, balance work with your home life."
Wiley came to Appalachian as an associate dean for the RCOE. After almost nine years, he retired as a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in December 2019. When asked what about retirement he was most looking forward, Wiley said, “Paying more attention to family, writing, reading for pleasure, serving with the American Red Cross as well as maintaining my commitment to and service with the National Science Teaching Association.”
Congratulations to all and enjoy the next chapter!
Academics
