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2025 Employee Milestone Celebration
Thirty-four members of the campus community were honored for their service and dedication to VWU
University News | April 30, 2025
When Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson stepped up to the microphone to honor Dr. Doug Kennedy, she reminded everyone how different the world was when he first joined the faculty at Virginia Wesleyan in 1988. “Michael Jordon had just earned his first MVP and Rain Main was the top move at the box office,” said Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson. “Dr. Kennedy’s legacy is not measured in years, but in the lives he’s changed.” 
Dr. Kennedy was one of four retiring faculty and staff honored today at a special ceremony And yet, his 37 years at Virginia Wesleyan is one short of Dr. Linda Ferguson, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics. “It’s difficult to put into words the impact Linda has had on our campus community,” stressed Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson. “She didn’t just teach marketing classes, she modeled them with wisdom, clarity, and care. She has left an indelible impression on Virginia Wesleyan, and we are all better for having walked this journey with her.”
In addition, the University honored Lead Housekeeper Joyce Walden for her 35 years of service and Housekeeper Malesia Williams for her 26 years at VWU, as both prepare to retire as well. “People are any organization’s greatest asset,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller at the annual Employee Milestone Celebration. “Know that each of you will be missed, and you will always have a home at Virginia Wesleyan.”
The University also honored 30 staff and faculty members for reaching significant milestones, ranging from 40 to 10 years of service.
40 Years
Carol Johnson
30 Years
Ben Dobrin
Mike Rigby
25 Years
Charline Bess
Jeff Bowers
Kim Brown ‘16
Joyce Easter
Malcolm Lively
Vic Townsend
John Wang
20 Years
Soraya Bartol
Richard Bond
Vic Dorsey
Craig Jackson
Travis Malone
John Rudel
C.J. Sholler
Harold Stallings
Kathy Stolley
15 Years
Gabriela Martorell
Taryn Myers
Michael Skipper ‘23
10 Years
Heather Campbell ‘04
Kelly Cordova
Javier Delgado
Bill McConnell
Bryson Mortensen
Antje Schwennicke
Jill Sturts
Closing out the ceremony, President Miller reminded the faculty and staff in attendance that this is an unprecedented time in Virginia Wesleyan’s growth, and that each of the dedicated Marlins honored today have played a pivotal role in its history and continued development.