|
|
             |
to retire at the end of the current academic year
Denman is approaching 39 years in education, including 33 at Marshall. She has been with the University since 1975, when she was hired by the Marshall Community and Technical College as part of the team to establish the Community and Technical College and as coordinator of the communications program.
“I thank Sarah for all of her efforts, not only during my time as president of Marshall University but for her 33 years with the community college and the University,” Kopp said. “Her enthusiasm and commitment to our students, faculty and our community are truly remarkable and very much appreciated. As she begins this new chapter in her life, we wish her great happiness and satisfaction. I am pleased that Sarah has agreed to continue to assist Marshall University on a part-time basis. This approach will give her the flexibility to enjoy the benefits of retirement, while permitting us to engage her experience and expertise on special projects important to Marshall University.”
Denman, who has served with nine presidents while at Marshall, described her decision to retire as “bittersweet.”
“I am very happy about my decision to retire, but I am sad to leave all the people I have worked with over the years,” she said. “I have enjoyed every minute with this institution. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve.”
After graduating from Ceredo-Kenova High School in 1966, Denman earned both her bachelor’s (1969) and master’s (1973) degrees from Marshall University and her doctorate in higher education administration from West Virginia University in 1986. She taught for six years at Ceredo-Kenova High School.
Through the years, Denman often has noted in public speeches the importance of the students and faculty not only at Marshall, but at all institutions of higher education. She reiterated that belief today.
“We need never to lose sight that the students and faculty are the two most important components of institutions of higher education,” she said.
Denman began her career in education in 1969 as a teacher of English and Speech at Ceredo-Kenova High School. She remained there until joining the community college. While at the community college, she served as assistant dean from 1984 to 1988, and associate dean from 1988 to 1991.
Denman’s first administrative appointment with Marshall University came in 1991 when she was named associate vice president for academic affairs. She became interim vice president for academic affairs in 1996 and vice president for academic affairs in 1997.
Don Van Horn, dean of Marshall’s College of Fine Arts, said Denman has been “the continuity and stability and certainly the humanity that makes Marshall what it is.”
“She is a terrific leader and a tremendous resource for this college and every college on campus,” Van Horn said. “She is as faculty- and student-centered as any human being I’ve known in higher education. That’s what it’s all about for Sarah Denman. I’m happy for Sarah, but Marshall is losing one of the most dedicated servants it probably has ever had.”
|
|
Dr.
Sarah N. Denman, provost and senior vice president for academic
affairs at Marshall University since 1999, will retire at the
end of the current academic year, President Stephen J. Kopp
announced on Tuesday, January 8. The academic year ends on May
10 with Marshall’s 171st commencement.      |
