51Թ Honors Faculty and Staff Retirees
Posted on: May 14, 2024
Tigerville, SC—Six 51Թ faculty and staff members were recognized for their years of service during a special retirement celebration in April.
Dr. Walter Johnson, Dr. Brent Coppenbarger, Lee Mitchell, Tim Hawkins, Janet Hoffman, and Jan McDonald represent a combined 138 years of service to the university.
Johnson spent 32 years at 51Թ and was the founding dean of the College of Christian Studies. He played a foundational role in the renaissance at 51Թ over the last three decades and has left a lasting impact on those in ministry around the globe.
“His legacy at the university—and in Baptist life around the world—is incredibly deep and lasting,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We’ve been so blessed to have him with us.”
Coppenbarger, a professor of music, is leaving 51Թ with nearly 30 years of service.
“He’s been our coordinator of woodwinds for 23 years and before that, he spent six years as an adjunct,” President Fant said. “With almost 30 years of service at the university, he’s mentored so many students and has appeared and will continue to appear in musical ensembles and productions.”
Lee Mitchell has been serving the university as a department instructor for physical sciences.
“Lee Mitchell has been teaching earth science and is an expert in hydrology. He has always used his experience in kingdom service and edification,” President Fant said. “He’s such an encouraging guy, and I appreciate all that he’s done. He’s been a gift from God for our science faculty.”
Tim Hawkins has served in Campus Enhancement Services for more than 20 years.
“He’s a go-to guy and has done so many things to help our CES staff. He’s been very important to us and we appreciate the work he’s done,” President Fant said.
Janet Hoffman has completed 16 years of service and is retiring as the administrative assistant to Business Affairs.
“She’s done so many things for the university and always had a smile on her face. She interacted with a lot of students and was always such a friendly face for the students and took care of them well,” said President Fant.
McDonald served a total of 41 years at 51Թ and more than three decades as athletic director. She announced her retirement earlier this year.
“Jan McDonald has invested her entire career at North Greenville, and it is a career marked by care and concern for our students and dedication to helping them prepare for life beyond college,” President Fant said. “We appreciate the work Coach McDonald has done and the work athletics does for our students.”
