D&E honors retirees, recognizes employees
ELKINS–Davis & Elkins College bid farewell to two administrators Friday. A special dessert reception in Halliehurst honored Dr. Wally Neel, executive vice president and provost, and his wife, Sandy Neel, vice president of enrollment management, who retired from the College June 16.
Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood opened the event citing a phrase from alumnus Hank Steinbrecher, ’71.
“D&E is a blessed place, and that means, if a need occurs, help appears,” Wood said. “It appears Wally and Sandy were sent here for a reason. Lisa and I are grateful for their presence. They have invested themselves in the people of the College, and they are friends as well as colleagues.”
To the Neels, Wood said, “You left your mark here and you will always have a home.”
Also speaking was Debbie Larkin, enrollment coordinator and veterans liaison officer.
“You have led us and guided us. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough,” she said.
Angie Scott, admission event coordinator, addressed the Neels as friends and mentors.
“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, for your wisdom and your guidance. You’ve helped us learn about ourselves and life in general,” Scott said. “I really value the friendships.”
Speaking on behalf of the couple, Wally Neel thanked the College and employees for welcoming them when they arrived and working with them on various projects.
“It is gratifying to know that with everything you’re doing here we were able to contribute in some small way,” he said. “You have a family atmosphere and that’s the key. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of this.”
Earlier this month, the College honored retirees and employees during the annual All Campus Picnic and Recognition of Employees.
Retirees receiving an official Davis & Elkins College chair and a plaque expressing appreciation for service were: Marie Brady, housekeeping; Cathy Canfield, housekeeping; Barbara Currence, housekeeping; Dr. Bob McCutcheon, professor of English; Sandy and Wally Neel; Sue Talbott, assistant professor of education; and Dr. Jane Woods, professor of history. Their service to the College represents 130 years.
McCutcheon and Woods, who both worked at D&E for 21 years, were granted faculty emeritus status. Wood announced that they have been invited to participate in Founders’ Day activities scheduled for Sept. 29.
As an educator, McCutcheon taught English and religion. He also served as coordinator of study abroad opportunities and chair of the Phipps Lecture Series. In 2016, he was awarded an Appalachian College Association Faculty Fellowship to conduct research into the literature and culture of Kenya, an interest that bloomed when he first visited Africa in 2006.
McCutcheon also has participated in numerous sessions for scholars including the Salzburg Seminar “Libraries in the 21st Century” in Salzburg, Austria, in 2004, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Conference for Clergy and Laity in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2005.
Woods’ teaching specialties focus on modern terrorism, British and Irish history, European history, modern Middle Eastern political history, history of civilization, history of money, the Holocaust and life in the ancient world. In 2009, she was named to the McGraw-Hill Advisory Panel on Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Woods has made numerous presentations on the subjects of Middle Eastern politics, Islamic culture and International Terrorism at Davis & Elkins College as part of a Fall Forum series, of which she was a director for two years, and the Center for Spirituality, Ethics and Global Awareness.
Employees recognized for 10 or more years of service in five-year increments were: 10 years, Christena Bennett, dining services; James Dearien, head athletic trainer; Steve Mattingly, assistant professor of computer science; Chris Randolph, associate director of admission; Karen Seel, associate professor of nursing; and Connie Sharp, dining services; 15 years, Melanie Campbell, executive chef at Graceland Inn and coordinator of the hospitality management program; and Debbie Larkin, enrollment coordinator and veterans liaison officer; 20 years, Scott Goddard, vice president for student affairs; Dr. Bill King, professor of English; and 25 years, Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca, professor of health and physical education and chair of the Department of Sport Science; and Joyce Nestor, office manager of The Naylor Learning Center. Wood commended the employees for their dedication and noted that collectively their service totals 180 years.