As the 2025-2026 academic year comes to an end, Randolph-Macon College will say farewell to faculty and staff who collectively served for 306 years. In front of the classroom and behind the scenes, they honored the College and our students with their long service and their commitment to the College’s mission. 

Retiring faculty are honored with the Bruce M. Unger Award. Dr. Bruce M. Unger was a Political Science professor at Randolph-Macon College for 40 years. Unger planned to retire in 2008 but lost his courageous fight against cancer before his retirement was official. The following faculty will receive the Unger Award at Commencement: 

Dr. Tom Badey, Professor of Political Science, joined the RMC faculty in 1998. He teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics focusing on Europe and the Middle East, and his research focuses on terrorism and counterterrorism policy. A beloved teacher, he is praised by students for his accessibility and genuine investment in their academic achievement. Beyond teaching, Badey was the Director of the International Studies program and coordinates RMC’s ROTC programs.

Dr. Chas. Gowan, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies and Environmental Studies Program Director, joined the RMC faculty in 1996. Gowan is a prolific researcher, authoring work in leading journals in fisheries science and ecology, often with students as co-authors. In addition to a dedication to student mentorship and innovative pedagogy in both biology and environmental studies programs, Gowan has had an impact on the environmental health of the region, including the restoration of Mechumps Creek and the removal of the Ashland Mill Dam.

Dr. Tom Peyser, Professor and Chair of English, joined the RMC faculty in 1994. For 32 years, Peyser has taught 19th- and 20th-century American literature. His courses and scholarship concentrate on the ways that literature reflects the great themes and conflicts of our history, from the Puritans to postmodernism, work that earned him a Thomas Branch Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has also served the College on Faculty Development Committee and as an ombuds.

Dr. Ed Showalter ’84, Professor of Business, joined the RMC faculty full-time in 2001. In addition to teaching a wide range of courses, spanning the topics of management, organizational behavior, marketing, international business, ethics, and others. In addition to chairing the Department of Economics, Business, and Accounting, Showalter is also the Director of the Bassett Internship program, ensuring students get hands-on experience working in their fields.

At a retirement ceremony in April, RMC honored seven retiring staff members with significant and distinguished service.

Lionel Abrams has been at RMC for a remarkable 45 years, first working in auxiliary services, before moving to Housekeeping. He currently serves as Custodian Manager, overseeing janitorial services for the entire campus, and is known as a proactive problem-solver.

Diane Colquitt is the Senior Systems Analyst in RMC’s Information Technology Services department. She plays a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes work that helps the College run, solving complex problems and implementing new solutions for applications campus-wide.

Barclay DuPriest has been the beloved Campus Store Manager, and a heartbeat of campus, for 40 years. In addition to transforming the campus store into a destination for customers, she has passionately championed generations of Yellow Jackets, providing love and support to all who walk through Brock Commons.

Sharon Jackson, the Director of Human Resources, has served the College for 30 years, offering thoughtful and professional guidance and leadership to the RMC community. She manages the HR team, resolves issues, and coaches managers to become more effective leaders for their teams.

Diane Lowder served as the Vice President for Advancement for nearly two decades. While overseeing the Office of College Advancement, Lowder was instrumental in cultivating $245 million in major gifts, including the Building Extraordinary campaign that supported 17 capital improvement projects.

Ellen Stack, the Executive Director of Advancement Services,served RMC for 18 years, managing crucial fundraising data and systems, work that is the engine behind successful giving campaigns. In addition to her role in advancement, Stack was also an advisor for RMC’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Barbara Wirth, an Administrative Assistant in the Provost’s Office, served RMC for 25 years before retiring in June of 2025. She supported faculty in the sciences and also played a crucial administrative role in the Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.