Freedom.
It's the word Stan Pearson, instruction of mathematics/computer science at Virginia Wesleyan College uses to describe his 26 years of teaching at the College.
Fayne and Stan Pearson at the Employee Appreciation Dinner in April 2007.
He now says goodbye after more than two decades of service where he, like many other professors, have had the opportunity to design their classes and cater to the student body.
"I had the freedom to design my own curriculum," said Pearson. Teaching an array of subjects, Pearson enjoyed what he likes to call the “whole gamut” including statistics, algebra, linear algebra and calculus I, II and III.
Pearson first came to Virginia Wesleyan in 1981 after receiving his master’s degree from Florida State University in 1976. In the early days, he called himself the “jack-of-all trades since there were so few of us,” he said.
Teaching only mathematics in the beginning, Pearson began incorporating computer science into the curriculum after only a few short years. He introduced new curriculum to the small, liberal arts College, such as computer program language and programming I and II.
Before starting his career at Virginia Wesleyan, Pearson experienced a journey throughout the East Coast. He completed his undergraduate work at Amherst College graduating with a degree in philosophy and a minor in math. Not knowing what to do in life, he decided to go on to graduate school in Florida.
Pearson still remembers his first job post-college—it was there where he first began to work with students.
"My first job was at South Georgia College, a small community college that attracted first generation students," said Pearson. There, he taught developmental math courses.
After working in the community college atmosphere, Pearson decided he wanted a change and took a teaching job at what was then called Christopher Newport College. After a three-year stint teaching lower and mid-division math classes, his employment at Virginia Wesleyan began.
Over the past 26 years, Pearson said he has made friends with many colleagues that he will greatly miss.
"I will miss the camaraderie with my colleagues the most," he said.
And even though Pearson may be retiring, his wife, Fayne, who is the assistant to the Academic Dean and student disabilities coordinator, will still be working.
The couple will continue to reside in Newport News, Va.
As for Pearson’s future retirement plans he doesn’t hesitate to reply: "Gardening, running, camping and traveling." He said he may also volunteer, teach on an adjunct bases or try technical editing.
The Virginia Wesleyan Community thanks Mr. Stan Pearson for his years of service and wished him a very happy retirement.