BOLIVAR, Mo. — Carol Woods, administrative assistant in the Clark University Success Center, and Dr. Bill DuVall, assistant professor of psychology, received the Staff and Faculty Life Beautiful Awards during the annual employee Christmas banquet Nov. 30 at Southwest Baptist University.
“The designation ‘life beautiful’ is the highest honor a person can receive at Southwest
Baptist University,” said Dr. Rick Melson, president of SBU. “Each year, during the
Bolivar spring commencement, we honor two graduating seniors who are chosen by the
faculty, who exemplify a ‘life beautiful.’
“During our Christmas banquet, we honor a faculty member and a staff member who exemplify a ‘life beautiful.’”
The Faculty Life Beautiful Award was established in 1987, and the Staff Life Beautiful Award was established in 1992.
Staff Life Beautiful
Carol Woods joined the SBU family in 2017, first in the music department office and currently as administrative assistant in the Clark University Success Center. Prior to coming to SBU, Woods served in elementary education for 12 years, after serving in various administrative roles. She and her husband, Ken, have been married for 45 years.
“She truly demonstrates the SBU mission statement,” Woods’ supervisor said. “She joyfully embraces any opportunity to serve students, co-workers, and the institution in whatever way is needed. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and seeks opportunities to show love and care for others, especially students, for whom she provides a smile, a listening ear, encouragement and hugs, as needed.
“Her life is an example of Christian service and devotion and is certainly a life beautiful.”
Faculty Life Beautiful
Dr. Bill DuVall has been a member of the SBU faculty since 2015 as assistant professor of psychology.
He earned his bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Frostburg (Md.) State University in 1995, and a master of arts in Christian counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2004. He later received both his master of theology and doctor of philosophy in psychology and counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.
He began as a teaching fellow at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2005-2007 while completing licensure as an LPC intern from 2006-2007 at both Northwood Church in Keller, Texas, and Promises Counseling Center in Burleson, Texas.
From 2008-2015, he served as a Licensed Professional Counselor, operating Trinity Family Counseling Services in Oakland, Md., while he and his wife, Julie, served as NAMB missionaries in western Maryland. Dr. DuVall and Julie have three children: Elijah, Aidan and Abbey.
Employee milestones and retirees
SBU also honored employees with employment anniversary milestones, beginning with five years, and retirees. The employees recognized have given more than 536 years of service to SBU.
“Each person recognized tonight has made a significant contribution to SBU and the wonderful mission of the work we do here,” Melson said. “Thank you, retirees, for being part of the legacy and 143-year history of SBU.”
5 years – Sunshine Wolfe (left) and Lee Skinkle. Not pictured include: James Bohner, Nicki Harmon, Ronda Horton, Amber Lewright, Scott Morrison and Duane Widhalm.
10 years – (left to right) Susan Cooper, David Marsch and Brittany Earl. Not pictured: Jeanie Davidson, Kelsey Keizer, Susan Kromrie, Rhonda Land, Jonathan Wehmeyer and Jena Whetstine.
15 years – Mike Pitts (left) and Mike Wilhoy. Not pictured: Chris Dinwiddie and Roberta Rasor.
20 years – James Smith (left) and Steve Bowling. Not pictured: TJ John and Starla Loertcher.
25 years – Zeke Clawson. Not pictured: Linda Armer and Tony Sawyers.
30 years – Mark Grabowski.
Retirees – Dr. Bing Bayer (33 years), Dr. Mike Fuhrman (23 years) and Dr. Tom Sneed (24 years). Not pictured: Dr. Mick Arnold (23 years), Pam Hedgpeth (13 years), Dr. Kevin Hopkins (32 years) and Dr. Perry Tompkins (13 years).
*Published: 12-01-21