MORRISTOWN – Walters State Community College bestowed one of its highest honors on three retired professors today.  Dr. Anne C. Armstrong, Dr. Judith Hector and Dr. Samuel R. O’Dell each received the title of Professor Emeritus.

“I am pleased to bestow this status on three of the college’s most respected faculty members,” said Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State. “Each of these professors has dedicated much of their scholarly work and their community service to this institution. The college, their colleagues and, most of all, their students have benefited greatly from this dedication.”

Armstrong, now professor emerita of English, joined Walters State in 1970 and rose through the ranks of faculty to become professor of English. She served as head of the English Department from 1979-93.She retired in 2000.

      “Dr. Armstrong was not only committed to improving students’ understanding of and appreciation for good writing and literature, but she promoted students’ participation in cultural activities as well. She initiated the college’s first cultural events calendar that was appreciated by her colleagues as much as her students.

      “Her creative writing classes attracted many of our best students and nourished both their freedom and artistry of expression,” McCamey said.

      Hector, now professor emerita of mathematics, joined the faculty in 1973. She served as dean of mathematics from 1984-2004.

      “Dr. Hector served Walters State both by her outstanding instruction in the classroom and her accomplishments in both national and state educational organizations. Under her leadership, the mathematics division provided considerable outreach to teachers and students throughout our region. Her legacy of service to the community continues to be put into practice.

      “She consistently emphasized the need for a sound curriculum carried out by innovative, research-based instructional activities,” McCamey said.

      O’Dell, now professor emeritus of history, also joined Walters State in 1970. He also rose through the ranks to become professor of history and political science. From 1972-79, he served as division chair for social sciences.  He retired in 1999.

      “Dr. O’Dell’s scholarly approach to teaching and continued personal and professional development truly epitomized the college professor. He was known among his colleagues for his sense of humor, quick smile and ability to tell a good nonfiction or fiction story. Among his students, he was known fondly as a faculty member who could easily keep their attention while weaving through years of American history,” McCamey said.

      Walters State Community College has previously named only two individuals to receive this honor. Dr. James Ford, retired professor of astronomy, received the honor in 2006. He was also present at today’s ceremony. The late Dr. Darrell D. Simmons served as the college’s first dean of instruction and later became professor of technology and special assistant to the president. He retired in 1981.  

Walters State Community College honored four professors with the title professor emeritus during a special ceremony on Monday. Seated is Dr. Samuel R. O’Dell, professor emeritus of history. Standing are Dr. James Ford, professor emeritus of astronomy; Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State Community College; Dr. Judith Hector, professor emerita of mathematics; and Dr. Anne Armstrong, professor emerita of English.