UAM loses more than a century of service with retirements
Published by UAM News June 1st, 2007 in UAM News.The University of Arkansas at Monticello is losing more than a century of teaching experience with the retirement of three long-time faculty members from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences.
Dr. John T. Annulis, dean of the school and professor of mathematics, Dr. Ed Bacon, professor of biology, and Dr. Walter Godwin, professor of chemistry, recently announced their retirement.
Together, they represent 101 years of service on the UAM faculty.
“It’s going to be a tall order to replace three faculty members with their expertise, their experience, and their background in higher education,” said UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter. “John, Ed and Walt have touched the lives of so many students. They’ve taught fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. It’s going to be hard to imagine this institution without them.”
Annulis has the longest tenure at 35 years. He came to UAM in 1972, became head of the Department of Mathematics in 1979, dean of the College of General Studies in 1993, served as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs from 1994-97, and was named dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences in 1998. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.
Bacon came to UAM in 1974 and recently completed his 33rd year on the faculty. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville.
Godwin also completed his 33rd year on the faculty, arriving with Bacon in 1974. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State. Godwin has been a fixture at UAM basketball games since the mid-1970s while serving as the official score keeper for all Boll Weevil and Cotton Blossoms games.
“It’s always difficult to replace outstanding faculty, but it’s even harder to replace friends,” said R. David Ray, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It has been a privilege for me to serve on the faculty with John Annulis, Ed Bacon and Walt Godwin. They will be missed.”
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I am proud to have been among some of the last graduates from this department. I learned so much from each of these gentlemen and I am greatly appreciative of the patience they showed me! Dr. Annulis was always wonderfully kind and welcoming, never distant nor overbearing. Dr. Bacon’s enthusiasm was infectious and science majors always found it hard not to enjoy themselves too much. We’d hate to make it look too easy. And Dr. Godwin’s knowledge base was always vast, but sound. He seemed always free to help you understand the material. It’s a shame to lose them, I’d hoped to have sent my daughter to them eventually!!! Thanks for everything and enjoy retirement!