PROFESSOR COLLIER TO RETIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2009

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An evening of farewell and accolades were on the agenda as faculty and friends at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville gathered to honor Ms. Evelyn Collier on her upcoming retirement. Having served on the faculty for fifteen years, Collier actually began working in July of 1994 coordinating the teacher education program which now includes both elementary education and two secondary education programs. According to Collier, the first teacher education classes were held that fall and the program has steadily grown in number and in scope since that time.

Spending just a few minutes with Collier one can quickly get a feel for her heart of ministry in the school system and among her students. She considers the classroom a mission field where a teacher molds and leads students to discover. Collier's teaching influence spans not only locally but in China, Germany, Africa and one current student working with a church on a Seminole reservation in south Florida. Collier has worked closely with the schools in the area placing BCF student interns and student teachers in the classroom. "We have had many of our graduates teaching in the Florida panhandle who are considered some of the key teachers in their schools," stated Collier. "I am especially proud of the number of our graduates that have been named 'Outstanding Teachers' in their school and/or school district. The Lord has blessed us with many outstanding young women and men who have greatly blessed us as they studied here and have gone out and are continuing to bless those with whom they teach and work."

As for plans after retirement, Collier would like to do some traveling, finish her dissertation, and complete her Doctor's degree in Education. She hopes to work with schools in Alabama doing seminars in various areas, and doing some volunteer work. As far as the travel plans for the immediate future, Collier will be going to South Carolina in July, Branson, MO in August, and to Orlando, Okeechobee (to visit with BCF senior Latisha Bannister) and Fort Myers in October. In December, Collier hopes to go to New York and see some shows, and then attend the Southern Baptist Convention next June. "Other than that, I will take one day at a time," stated Collier, "and enjoy them all. I would like to say 'Thank You' to those who gave me the opportunity to serve here and a big 'THANK YOU' to all those students who have been such a blessing to me during the last 15 years."