3 professors reflect on long careers
Biology professors Jim Curry and Bill Pohley, along with English professor Dan Poe, will all retire this May, taking with them 109 years combined of experience as part of the Franklin College faculty. While they all said they will miss the students at Franklin, each has relaxation as an important activity during his retirement. The Franklin wanted to get their opinions on the campus they spent so much time at during their lives.
The Franklin: How many years have you been at Franklin?
Jim Curry: 38
Dan Poe: I came as a student in 1958, 50 years ago, and joined the full-time faculty in 1966, so I have been on the faculty 42 years.
Bill Pohley: 29
TF: In your tenure here, what has been the most exciting transformation to see firsthand on this campus?
JC: Rebuilding after the fires. It was a rebirth of the entire campus community.
DP: The physical renovation on campus
BP: The spirit and leadership after the fires, watching the campus being rebuilt and re-energized.
TF: What was your favorite moment here?
JC: All of them.
DP: Graduation as a student in 1964
BP: My many travel trips with students.
TF: What will you miss most about your job here at Franklin?
JC: The students
DP: Seeing colleagues and students regularly
TF: What will you miss the least?
JC: Breaking in new administrators: seven presidents and 12 or 13 deans (who can remember?)
DP: Faculty meetings, and looking for a parking place
BP: I think it is a time to be diplomatic so I am not answering this question.
TF: Do you have any big plans for retirement?
JC: Nothing earth shaking,. I plan to get a book published that I have been working on for several years; continue writing; continue my dragonfly research, and get to know my wife better.
DP: Traveling and writing. Sleeping in whenever I want.
BP: Initially rest, work on home improvement projects, travel, and then begin working again.
TF: Any final words for the Franklin College community?
JC: I worked hard to make Franklin College a better place. Don’t screw it up.
DP: Stay flexible, learn to roll with the punches, keep an intellectual open-mindedness, and never use clichés.
BP: I hope the college can regain the sense of real community that we once shared.
