Dear Editor:I would like to sincerely thank most of you–faculty, staff, administrators and students–for all your support during my 25 years as an assistant professor of English at Nicholls State University. During the helter-skelter last weeks of final examinations, I was unable to interview or write appropriately; now as a retired faculty member I will attempt to do so.

Fall, I know, will be a bittersweet experience as my colleagues return to campus for full-time duties. I thank them for helping me become a better teacher, for aiding me with the Fletcher Chef’s Benefit and for guiding me with the issues of the Faculty Senate throughout my tenure. I wish my faculty colleagues all the success in the world–you are solid standard-keepers.

Second, I thank the NSU Faculty Senate for allowing me to serve as a member most of my years and as president for nine years. We all stood through some very turbulent times and reacted, I believe, in the best interests of the faculty via the Faculty Association. I wish you continued success, and I believe that Dr. Hulbert’s involvement with the Senate will prove extremely beneficial.

It is the students to whom I owe the brunt of my appreciation–you have made me a good teacher, and by your arguments, debates and successful efforts at reading, interpreting and writing, you have inspired me to work harder and harder. Although I will not miss weekends of grading papers, I will miss you. Good luck to all of you in your respective futures. And please remember a quotation which my mother, bookstore manager at Nicholls for 28 years, kept on her desk: “The individual who does not read is no better than the one who cannot.”

I would like to thank two extracurricular groups which formed my academic character: the athletic department and Phi Eta Sigma, national freshman honorary society. Athletics allowed me to be academic advisor for nine years while Phi Eta Sigma allowed me to serve them as chapter advisor for longer than ten. From both of these bodies I learned important lessons about competition on the academic and athletic levels. I wish you both continued success.

Finally, I would like to thank all you individuals who advised and helped me while at Nicholls State. You know who you are, and I have not tried to specify for the very real fear of unintentionally leaving someone out. May you all continue to move Nicholls State University forward under Steve Hulbert’s leadership, which I think will prove extremely successful.

I hope in the near and far future to read a lot, travel a lot, write a little and cook a bunch. I look forward to seeing all of you and hearing and reading of the successes of Nicholls State University. Again, thanks not only for the memories but for all the wonderful opportunities.

Sincerely,
Timothy R. Lindsley, III
Assistant Professor of English
(retired)