Ten ACU faculty members left the university this summer, either to retire or move on to other positions.

Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, said losing several faculty before each school year is normal, but always difficult.

“Because we form close relationships with our colleagues, and because students and faculty have very close relationships, there is a hole when a faculty member leaves,” Varner said. “So it’s significant when we say goodbye.”

Dr. Arlie Hoover, professor emeritus of history, and Dr. Brad Reed, professor of management sciences, both retired after the 2009-10 school year. Reed is now teaching at Lipscomb University.

Eight other faculty members moved on to positions at other universities. Dr. Steve Weathers, associate professor of English, left to take a position in Florida near his family after teaching at ACU since 1987. Varner said losing teachers like Weathers is particularly difficult when you consider the impact they have had on students.

“Steve has been here since 1987, and when you think about how many students’ lives he’s touched there is a real sense of loss,” Varner said.

Sarah Ratliff, sophomore English major from Lake Kiowa, took a world literature course with Weathers last fall. Ratliff said Weathers was one of her all-time favorite teachers.

“Dr. Weathers taught us not to just read stories but play devil’s advocate and learn other viewpoints,” Ratliff said. “He is super goofy and super eccentric; he always had an interesting story.”

Ratliff said Weathers had a personal connection with all of his students, and that made him special.

“He knew all of us by name,” Ratliff said. “He is a very understanding and genuine person. He had a lot to contribute to the school.”