Dr. Stephen S. Mansfield creates archives and retires after 40 years of service to the College.
By Megan Z. Shearin '06
Dr. Stephen S. Mansfield at Commencement 2008 in May.
When the fall 2008 semester begins, it will mark 42 years since Virginia Wesleyan College first opened its doors. Dr. Stephen S. Mansfield, who retired from the College on June 30, was there for 40 of those years.
Mansfield was not only the longest-serving employee of the College at the time he retired, he also was, and is, one of its most beloved and influential.
Beginning as an assistant professor of history in 1968, Mansfield became the vice president of academic affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College in 1996, and then the College archivist in 2006.
His time at Virginia Wesleyan has been full of memories, growth and change. He has seen the student body of the College grow from roughly 250 students in the late 1960s to approximately 1,400 students for the 2008-09 academic year.
At his retirement reception held on Monday, June 30, Virginia Wesleyan's President Dr. William T. "Billy" Greer said, "This is a bittersweet day for us. Bitter because we're saying goodbye to a friend, and sweet because we're celebrating Steve’s career at Virginia Wesleyan College."
Over the past four decades, Mansfield has not only served as an administrator and a faculty member, he has also been a resident at the College. He lived as a faculty–in– residence in Kellam and Rose Halls in 1968 and 1969 respectively, until he got married.
"I often joke about how my hair turned gray from living in the dorms," he said with a smile.
Although the memories of living in the dorms and getting to know the students are ones he will never forget, he said his best memory is helping the College grow academically.
"My greatest accomplishment was the opportunity to help shepherd the College through four accreditation re-affirmations," he said, "and to interact in the classroom with students over time."
During his time in Academic Affairs, Mansfield was responsible for overseeing the faculty and other programs at the College.
As the College archivist, Mansfield has been working for the past two years on writing a book about the history of Virginia Wesleyan. The book is due out in time for the College's 50th anniversary in 2011.
>>Read more about Mansfield's book and process of creating the archives
"As a historian and long-time member of the campus community, it seemed like an important thing to do," he said. "It's been very exciting because I've lived through a lot of this history – it's as though I'm reliving my experience at the College."
Although Mansfield admits that he will miss working at Virginia Wesleyan, he does not plan to completely cut all ties with the College.
"I will miss being a part of this very special community," he said. "Fortunately, I will have a chance on a limited basis to update the archives, so I won't completely sever ties."
Following Greer's remarks on Monday, Mansfield addressed his colleagues and said, "I treasure the connection I have made with all of you over the past 40 years, and I look forward to crossing paths with all of you someday."
Mansfield plans to enjoy his retirement by continuing his involvement in historical organizations, gardening, reading, spending time with his family and doing more volunteer work.
The Virginia Wesleyan Community thanks Dr. Stephen Mansfield for his years of service and wishes him a very happy retirement.
07.02.08