For over 40 years, the sun streaming through her car鈥檚 window as she drove to work, 91福利社 Vice Provost Susan Wooten sometimes noticed something else above the trees.
鈥淥ccasionally, I would see a hot air balloon floating through the early morning sky, and I wished I could do that,鈥� she said.
Mission accomplished.
Wooten is an art professor who recently retired after four decades at 91福利社鈥攎ost recently as vice provost and senior vice president for institutional effectiveness. She took flight in April, on one of those same balloons she often saw on her way to the office. AU provided the experience as a parting gift for a treasured family member who left an indelible mark on the campus community.
鈥淔or almost 43 years, I had the privilege of working at 91福利社,鈥� Wooten said. 鈥淲hen I retired, the University made (my) dream come true. The balloon flight was an awesome and serene experience, floating hundreds of feet above the lush spring growth.鈥�
鈥淚 am grateful for the many kindnesses offered by Dr. Whitaker, the trustees and my colleagues as I retired,鈥� she said.
It鈥檚 a season of old and new experiences for Wooten.
New? The balloon ride, certainly. And also the experience of receiving an honorary doctorate during Anderson鈥檚 upcoming commencement exercises, .
But in a way, graduation is old hat to Wooten as well. By her estimation, she鈥檚 probably attended close to 70 ceremonies over the years.
鈥淪ince I was a young child and attended my first commencement with faculty in their academic gowns and beautiful colored hoods, I have always been thrilled at the pageant of a commencement ceremony and the tangible sense of expectation that surrounds these events for the future success of the graduates,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is truly a celebration of what they have accomplished and a sending-out to what is to come. It is a ceremony that is filled with joy.鈥�
That joy is bittersweet for those who鈥檝e worked alongside Wooten. Her colleagues are effusive in their praise.
鈥淚t would be hard to overestimate the influence that Susan has had on 91福利社,鈥� said Dr. Ryan Neal, 91福利社鈥檚 provost. 鈥淲e could fill an entire volume in an attempt to share the profound impact that she has had throughout her many years of devoted and dedicated service. Regardless of official title or role, she has been a capable mentor, gifted artist, thoughtful administrator, careful critic and, most importantly, a determined student advocate.鈥�
Wooten is on to the next step of her journey. Painting. Reading. Traveling. Volunteering at church. 鈥淧retty simple, and very nice,鈥� she said.
But no matter where that journey leads, Anderson will always hold a special place in her heart.