Farewell to Dr. Sarah Denman, Provost

A native of Kenova, WV, Dr. Sarah Denman has always been close to Marshall University. As an aspiring college student, Dr. Denman didn’t consider pursuing her education anywhere but Marshall, in the fall of 1966. After earning her B.A. in 1969, she started teaching high school while working on a M.A. In 1975, Marshall recruited her as the Coordinator of the Communications Program to assist in developing the Community and Technical College. Along with two other people, Dr. Denman worked to establish the new program for the new college, while coordinating outreach efforts and working on an Ed.D. in Higher Education from West Virginia University.
 

She began teaching Communication and continued to rise through the ranks. She became the Associate Dean for the Community College and the Higher Learning Commission Consultant Evaluator, then worked her way up from Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1991 to Vice President of Academic Affairs in 1996, and since 1999, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Looking back over her years spent at Marshall, Dr. Denman says she has a collage of memories. She has been witness to tremendous growth. The University has matured over the years with the expansion of research, the proliferation of buildings, and expansion of the Arts, with each college blossoming. But when asked what her favorite memory is, the heartfelt response simply involved the people she has been fortunate to interact with. Her favorite moments encompass student orientations and graduations - her awareness as young students enter college, then watching as they begin their lives outside of the classroom.

Although Dr. Denman will continue to work as a consultant for Marshall on special assignments, she plans to spend much of her retirement doing community service. She is a board member for the Huntington Museum of Art, Chair of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation Board, Vice Chair for the Hospice Board, and is an active member of the Barnett Child Care Center Board. She also plans to spend some time resting to acclimate herself to this new phase in her life.

Having spent a lifetime at Marshall, Dr. Denman says that the beauty of Marshall is that it touches people and changes their lives. It’s obvious when speaking to Dr. Denman that Marshall and its people have touched her. MU-ADVANCE wishes Dr. Sarah Denman a retirement full of touching experiences and continued personal growth.