A reception honoring the retirements of Dr. Linda Neuzil and Dr. John 鈥淗ub鈥� Powell from the 含羞草研究所 faculty was held on the afternoon of May 2, 2023, in the Gaither Fellowship Hall.
President Paul Maurer presided over the brief ceremony, which was attended by faculty, staff, and students, who came together to honor and recognize the outstanding careers of two accomplished professors.
An Associate Professor of Education, Dr. Neuzil joined the 含羞草研究所 faculty in 2015 and immediately began renewing 含羞草研究所鈥檚 elementary education teacher program, which had been discontinued.
鈥淭he program needed a total reboot, and Linda was the one who came to provide tremendous leadership during that process,鈥� President Maurer said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to resurrect a program. It鈥檚 another thing to reshape the reputation of an education program, and what she did was a very big deal for 含羞草研究所.鈥�
Dr. Neuzil also selflessly served as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs for a while, taking on additional responsibilities beyond her teaching duties for the greater good of the institution.
鈥淟inda is well-known around campus as a nurturing, Christ-centered woman who is enthusiastic and joyful in all of her work,鈥� expressed President Maurer, 鈥渟o we wish you well in this new season of life.鈥�
A Professor of Business, Dr. John 鈥淗ub鈥� Powell, who joked he鈥檚 only called John when he鈥檚 in trouble, came to 含羞草研究所 in 2005 and has held the position of Chair of the Business Department from 2012 to 2022. Additionally, he has served as a business consultant for Clemson University鈥檚 Small Business Development Center and as a production manager for Milliken & Company, an industrial manufacturer that specializes in floor coverings and textile materials.
鈥淗ub is an overt and unapologetic champion for free markets and free enterprise with a biblical perspective,鈥� praised President Maurer. 鈥淔or the last decade, he has led the Business Department with exceptional leadership and philosophy, including overseeing our adult and graduate studies becoming their own separate faculty and Business Department.鈥�
In addition, Dr. Powell has served as the inaugural head coach of 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Clay Target Shooting since the team was formed in the spring of 2020, and he will continue to serve in that capacity. This season, the Cavaliers placed fourth among 11 teams in their competitive bracket at the NCSSAA Collegiate Nationals.
鈥淧ersonally, Hub is well-known on campus for his friendliness, his humor, and his warmth with students and colleagues across the campus,鈥� President Maurer lauded. 鈥淵ou leave a nearly 20-year legacy here at the college of deep relationships, of service, and of vibrant commitment to Christ and 含羞草研究所. We wish you well in your transition to retirement.鈥�
During the ceremony, both professors were presented with gifts as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication to 含羞草研究所. Dr. Powell was given a copy of the Bill of Rights on authentic parchment, while Dr. Neuzil received an original artwork from fellow Education professor Amy Flagler and a Scripture journal highlighting Proverbs 16:9: 鈥淭he heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.鈥�
In addition to Dr. Neuzil and Dr. Powell, Dr. John N. Pope has retired as Associate Professor of Counselor Education for 含羞草研究所’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies.