Dr. Garren’s service in the military, his
black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and his work at the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- tration (nasa), have all played a huge role in his life, as evidenced by the mementoes that line the shelves of his office. But there’s one thing most important to him, Cloyd said.
“He’s truly a family man. Family comes first in his heart, his soul, and his mind.” He and his wife Sheila have three children, all with ph.d.s, and eight grandchildren. Dr. Garren also likes to have a good time.
His favorite pastimes are dancing (he and Sheila created and often perform the Hornet Hop) and fishing. His love of athletics has made him the No. 1Hornet fan. The visible improvements to Shellenberger Field are only part of the story. He attends every athletic event — in all sports — that his schedule allows. “In his time at Lynchburg College he has in-
Top: President Garren with Antione Smith ’10 and Cheryl’Lynn Joost ’08
Bottom: The Garrens with U.S. Senator Mark Warner
determine whether an institution can receive accreditation or reaccreditation. Cheryl Cardell, vice president of the sacs
Commission on Colleges, said Dr. Garren has a keen understanding of the principles of accreditation and leading committees. “He communicates very effectively,” she said.
“He has good relationship-building skills. He’s very enthusiastic about the work of the commission, and he’s very adept at seeing the big picture.” Some of President Garren’s many other
recent endeavors include serving as the only Division iii president on the National Colle-
28 LC MAGAZINE Spring 2011
giate Athletic Association (ncaa) panel in January in San Antonio, Texas, to talk about the need for strong leadership connecting academics and athletics; serving on a panel at the Council of Independent Colleges (cic) Annual Presidents’ Meeting as the only college president on a three-person panel in Palm Springs, California, in January; appearing at the Washington Ideas Forum at the Newseum in Washington, d.c.; participating in the cic College Presidents & Foundation ceos in Manhattan; and speaking at the Lynchburg Planning Commission to encourage planners to include visual impact of construction, an idea which drew editorial support from The News & Advance, the local newspaper.
Giving it all
No one has a better understanding of Dr. Garren’s grueling schedule than Dawn Cloyd, his administrative assistant. His days often begin with community meetings at 7:30 or 8 a.m. and others that don’t end until 9:30 or 10 p.m., she said. His weekends are also largely devoted to the College. But after years of such a schedule, his en-
thusiasm “is like it was ten years ago,” she said, adding that working with him is a joy.
“He’s a listener; he’s very wise and will point someone in the right direction. He has a good sense of humor, too.” Most remarkably, she said she has never seen him angry, and he knows how to diffuse anger in others.
spired the student-athletes by attending games, speaking at team functions, and consistently communicating with the coaches and alumni about the importance of athletics,” said Steve Koudelka, head coach for men’s lacrosse. “His enthusiasm is infectious and the coaches and student-athletes have bene- fited from his leadership.” “He really supports the athletes on campus,”
said softball head coach Dawn Simmons. Not only does he cheer for them, he knows them by name, and he and Sheila host winning teams at their home for dinner to recognize their achievements. “They show that they care,” Simmons added. The president has also worked to raise the
profile of athletics across the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (odac). “Dr. Garren has been extremely supportive of the Conference since his arrival at Lynchburg College,” said Brad Bankston, odac commissioner. “He has actively served on the Conference Presidents Executive Council, including serving as the president of the membership group for two years. His attention to detail and understanding of the athletics realm have supported the league through its strategic planning when it comes to membership and ncaa legislative discussions. “He has championed sportsmanship and
worked with the athletics staff at Lynchburg to institute a games management program that serves as a model in the league. The first ten years have been very productive from the Conference perspective and I’m looking for- ward to working with him for years to come.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52