Dr. Doug Kennedy taught at VWU for 37 years.
Doug Kennedy|Courtesy
This year, several professors at Virginia Wesleyan are saying goodbye to the classrooms and communities they have helped shape. Retirees Doug Kennedy, Linda Ferguson and Malesia Williams reflected on their years at VWU and shared thoughts on retirement, memories with students and advice for the future.
Kennedy, professor of Sports and Recreation Professions, came to Virginia Wesleyan after finishing his doctorate at Temple University and expected to stay for just a few years. He quickly discovered his love for the school and has taught here for 37 years.
Kennedy has a passion for leisure activities as well as working with college students. Through the Sports and Recreation program, he has taught a variety of classes, his favorites being Philosophy of Sports and Recreation along with Maui Sea to Sky.
The Maui Sea to Sky class was inspired by Kennedy’s love for skiing as he heard about the local trend of wind surfing. He had heard positive feedback about traveling to Maui and decided to start looking into creating the course. Kennedy believes that it’s important to have the opportunities for travel experiences in shaping students academically and personally.
Kennedy said that when students go on trips like these they get to see real-world situations and foster cross pollination of ideas. Over his years at VWU, Kennedy built close relationships with his students. He once had the special honor of officiating the weddings of two former students, a testament to the lasting bonds he created both inside and outside the classroom. Kennedy is sad to leave the classroom after such an enjoyable time but is looking forward to retirement.
He has plans to continue working with survivors of sexual abuse and said he will remain available to the VWU department for any needs. Kennedy is looking forward to a new path and is excited to see how the students continue to grow.
“I want the students to take chances,” Kennedy said. “You’ve got to do new things and take chances, and you gotta take a lot of swings if you’re going to try to hit a home run,” Kennedy said.
Dr. Linda Ferguson is set to retire after 37 years at VWU.
Virginia Wesleyan|Courtesy
Linda Ferguson, a dedicated Business and Marketing professor, has spent an extraordinary 37 years at VWU, having a significant impact on both her students and the university community. Ferguson has taught courses in Marketing, Organizational Communication and Business Law.
Throughout her career, she emphasized the importance of students not only understanding the theoretical aspects of business and marketing but also gaining practical application that showcases long-term relevance and usefulness of the material they learn. “Absorb as much as you can while you’re here so that you keep your options open,” Ferguson said.
She takes great pride in having been a part of so many students’ lives, fostering a strong sense of community within the university. The integration of her professional and personal life has given her a deep sense of purpose, and she feels a strong reluctance to leave a place that has been an important part of both.While she doesn’t have any specific retirement plans, she’s looking forward to embracing this new chapter of her life, eager to explore what comes next while continuing to reflect on the meaningful impact she’s had over the years.
VWU’s staff members have also played vital roles in shaping the campus community. Malesia Williams, a beloved housekeeper at VWU, has been an integral part of the campus community for many years. With a strong work ethic and a genuine care for the well-being of students and staff alike, she has become a familiar and welcoming presence across campus.
Malesia Williams made deep connections with Virginia Wesleyan students during her time as a housekeeper.
Virginia Wesleyan|Courtesy
Williams started her time at VWU working in the kitchen and soon after, she transitioned to housekeeping. In this role she helps maintain dorms, hallways, offices and the rest of campus.
Williams’ sense of belonging at VWU is reflected in her deep connections to students. “They’re like kids to me,” she said. She enjoys getting to see the students grow and thrive. For Williams, being a part of the VWU community has been central to her identity, and she proudly identifies as a Marlin. She is always happy when she’s at school and working eases her mind. “I’m just a happy person, I love the college and I enjoy coming here,” Williams said. She is planning on returning part time next year, and in that time off is going to spend time with her mother.
Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes or through the support for students, these individuals have made lasting impacts. Their retirements mark the end of one chapter, but open the door for new opportunities for both themselves and the university.
By Lora Young
