Kevin Kleine, Campus Carrier Adviser
After more than 50 years of combined service to this institution, two of my dearest colleagues are leaving Berry College. This is a bittersweet occasion for me. Provost Kathy Richardson is leaving to become the new president of Westminster College in Pennsylvania beginning in July, and her husband Randy Richardson, communication senior lecturer and forensics director, will take a position on the faculty at Westminster.
It is hard to say goodbye to Kathy and Randy. They are more like family than co-workers. They have been two of my dearest friends for the past quarter century. I will miss you both, and I am sad that the joyride of working with you daily has to come to an end.
Ever since they came to Berry decades ago, each has been a pillar of the Berry community. Both were instrumental in building the very foundations that have made the communication department and the college such a success. Their commitment to the work and people of our department and college is impressive. They each have been part of the lifeblood of Berry College.
Berry will be losing two of its finest teachers as well. Each will give their final lectures and grade their final papers at Berry in the next week. Students have always spoken in glowing terms about their influence in the classroom and outside it.
Their nurturing and demanding nature in the classroom has placed hundreds of leading professionals in offices across the country. Their offices were always open to students and the informal chats became as important as the classroom to many. Their former students are some of the best spokespersons Berry could ever have, in part because many view Kathy and Randy Richardson as the embodiment of Berry ideals.
Their contact with former students remains strong and provides evidence showing the influence one person can have in the life and development of another. I hope that future Berry students find professors like Kathy and Randy Richardson as mentors and teachers.
Their prior service to Berry as advisers, administrators, professors and coaches was exemplary, but is not what should be revered the most in my view. What is most important is that they taught us to care, continue learning, serve others and always do our best.
I am proud of my friends and the things they have accomplished in their lives. And now that another chapter in their life begins, I’m certain that more accomplishments and service to higher education will follow.
I have had the privilege to work closely with Kathy and Randy since 1990. I am amazed at all each can do. Both generate innovative ideas very quickly, Kathy is an effective and visionary program planner, Randy is a superb coach, both are master teachers, Randy is a clever and entertaining speaker, and Kathy is a well-respected administrator. Both are expert communicators.
I cannot think of anyone over the last three decades who has so clearly reflected what many of us believe makes Berry the special place it is – a stimulating and nurturing environment where students are able to reach their full potential under the tutelage of caring and proficient teachers. I feel privileged to have been their friend for a very long time. Their shoes will be impossible to fill. Thanks for all you have contributed to your students, your colleagues and to this college.
Actually I’m not going to say goodbye Kathy and Randy, but rather, see you later friends.