4/26/12
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2012 Retirees: (l-r) Susan Timberlake, Professor Thomas Porter,
Michael Carter, Ranny Robertson, Professor Wallace Martin |
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Randolph-Macon College held a celebration to honor faculty and staff retirees on April 26, 2012 in the Trustees Room of Estes Dining Hall. Retirees included Professors Thomas Porter (
history) and W. Wallace Martin (
biology) and members of R-MC’s staff, Michael Carter (
advancement), G. Randolph “Ranny” Robertson (
business office), and Susan Timberlake (
provost’s office).
“Randolph-Macon’s faculty and staff love what they do,” said R-MC president, Robert R. Lindgren. “They are loyal and committed, value the role that R-MC plays in producing leaders and good citizens, and are dedicated to the well-being and success of our students,” he said. “I would like to thank our retirees for investing so much of their lives with us and for enriching the college in the process. You leave an enduring legacy here.”
Thomas W. Porter, Ph.D. (history) Professor Thomas “Tom” Porter joined the faculty at Randolph-Macon College in 1974. In addition to his duties as history professor, he also held many administrative duties during his 38-year tenure at the college. He served as acting dean of the college, associate dean of the college, dean of institutional planning, chair of the college’s strategic planning committee, director of the Asian studies program, and chair of the history department. Porter earned his B.A. in history, M.A. and Ph.D. in British history at Northern Illinois University.
In addition to acknowledging Porter’s numerous contributions to Randolph-Macon and the history department, Mark Malvasi, the Isaac Newton Vaughan Professor of History at R-MC, highlighted Porter’s deep commitment and dedication to his students and colleagues as well as his ability to share humor and look at the lighter side of life.
W. Wallace Martin, Ph.D. (biology) Wallace Martin, the Stephen H. Watts Professor of Biology at Randolph-Macon College, joined the faculty in 1971 and was named chair of the biology department in 1974. His is considered an expert in the field of mycology, which is a sub-discipline of microbiology and deals with the study of fungi. He has conducted groundbreaking research on saprophytic fungi as well as parasitic species important in the natural control of mosquitos, midges and blackflies. Martin earned his B.A. in biology and Ph.D. in botany from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“Undergraduate research is dear to his heart and he has mentored dozens of students,” said Charles Gowan, the Paul H. Wornom, M.D., Professor of Biological Sciences at R-MC. “His real legacy is in the form of all those students and all the hours of research.”
Michael C. Carter (advancement) Michael Carter graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1975 and joined the staff in 1981. Carter has worked in R-MC’s college advancement department for 31 years. He not only helped raise millions of dollars for the college, but he is also a generous donor. Carter and his wife Alison, enthusiastic supporters of the Randolph-Macon Fund, established in 1966 the Thomas P. and Betty M. Carter Scholarship (in honor of his parents) to aid financially deserving students.
“Mike found his calling when he came to work for R-MC. His love for his alma mater and wonderful demeanor with fellow alumni is admired by those in our department,” said Diane Lowder, vice president for college advancement. “We thank Mike for his dedication and guidance.”
G. Randolph “Ranny” Robertson (business office) Ranny Robertson joined Randolph-Macon College in 1995 as project manager of construction projects following a distinguished career at Dominion Power. Robertson managed several major projects and improvements to buildings during his tenure at the college including the Brock Sports and Recreation Center, Blackwell Auditorium, Crenshaw Gymnasium, the new Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park baseball facility, the tennis court complex and Andrews Hall, a residence facility for freshmen.
“Ranny will be remembered for his dedication and demand for excellence,” said Paul Davies, R-MC vice president of administration and finance. “He looked after the Colleges resources, is well-respected and yet was fair to our contractors.”
Susan G. Timberlake (provost’s office) Susan Timberlake was hired as a secretary to the faculty at Randolph-Macon College in 1996. She provided 16 years of support for many academic departments and worked on countless projects over the years.
“Susan has provided exemplary service and made a valuable contribution to the faculty, the Provost’s Office, and to Randolph-Macon College,” said R-MC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs William Franz. “It is difficult to find a way to adequately express our appreciation for the many years of service Susan has faithfully given to the College.”