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by Brenton Smith '07
Effective August 2006, Dr. Neil Ramsey will retire from his position as professor of sociology at Virginia Wesleyan.
Many people describe Ramsey as a patient and caring individual.
"Before I came to VWC a friend of mine told me how much I would like Dr. 
Ramsey," said fellow sociology professor Dr. Kathy Stolley. "She told me when her baby was small and she had babysitter problems, she would sometimes bring the child to class. If the baby got fussy, Dr. Ramsey would hold the baby and pace around with her while he lectured. That is one of her favorite memories of VWC."
Ramsey started teaching in 1960. It was in 1974 that he and his wife moved to Virginia from Wisconsin so he could start the sociology department at VWC. Thirty-two years later he has decided it is time for retirement.
"I promised my kids that I would retire once I turned 70, and I kept my word," said Ramsey. In 1957, Ramsey received his A.B. from William Jewel College in Missouri. He then obtained a M.Div. from Colgate-Rochester, an M.A. from the University of Denver and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ramsey served as chairman of the sociology department for the majority of his time here and has taught a number of different courses, the last two of which he taught this summer and one of which he developed, titled "Ethical Issues & Behavioral Science."
"My favorite classes to teach would have to be Sociological Theory, The Family and Social Psychology," Ramsey said, "but in a sense they are all my favorite because I'm teaching."
After his retirement, Ramsey is planning a move to Haines, Alaska to be near his son who is a river guide. There he will be able to take pleasure in what nature has to offer.
"I'm going to enjoy my retirement. Alaska is a simpler kind of life where you can even drink from the rivers."
Ramsey will never forget his time at Virginia Wesleyan, as he has made many fond memories during his years here.
"One of my fondest memories of working with Virginia Wesleyan was getting to cut down the net after winning our first Dixie Conference Championship in Greenville," Ramsey said, referring to the men's basketball win in 1979.
"What I will miss the most about Virginia Wesleyan is of course teaching, as it has been my life and joy for so long."
"For me, Dr. Ramsey was most known for his strolls through Village II with his poodle not far behind him," said colleague Thomas Liverman.
Ramsey will not forget the campus community either.
"I will miss working with all my good students and colleagues," he said. "They are the reason I love teaching."
The Virginia Wesleyan community wishes Dr. Neil Ramsey a very happy retirement.