Into Retirement: Roy, Schubert, Turner Gave 93 Years to D&E

The close of the 2020-2021 academic year brought the beginning of new chapters for three long-time members of the campus community. With a total of 93 years combined service, Professor of Mathematics and Physics Dr. Sharmistha Roy, Director of The Naylor Learning Center and Adjunct Professor in Physical Education Mary Ellen Schubert and Professor of History Dr. David Turner announced their retirements.

Professor of Mathematics and Physics Roy made her way through the winding mountain roads to Elkins in 1983 when her husband, Shankar Roy, was joining the D&E faculty. Two years later, she too was named to the faculty. Several years into her career she was appointed Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, then returned to what she loved best – teaching. Throughout her time at D&E, she received multiple honors including the Lois Latham Award for Excellence and the American Council of Learned Societies’ award for “A Program Placing New Emphasis on Teacher Education in Astronomy.” She also was nominated by D&E for the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Professor of the Year. Q: There’s a well-known story about how you didn’t enjoy traveling to Elkins. Once you arrived at Davis & Elkins College in 1985, what made you stay? A: “The towns people were so welcoming to a foreigner dressed in a sari. Shankar’s colleagues at D&E were extremely hospitable and helpful. So, in 1985 when I was ready to join the job market and there was an opening in the math department, I applied and was selected. In my next 36 years a wonderful sojourn of teaching at D&E followed.” Q: You previously served as interim vice president for academic affairs. What made you want to return to teaching? A: “My tenure in this position was very fulfilling and it challenged me to do the best for the institution. However, my calling to be in a classroom, with a piece of chalk, a blackboard and students wanting to learn is like an addiction. I felt passionate about teaching. So, when the time came to make a choice with continuing to be a full-time VP or a full-time teacher, I chose the latter and have never regretted it.”

Director of The Naylor Learning Center and Adjunct Professor in Physical Education Schubert graduated from D&E in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and health, K-12. In 2000, she returned to D&E as a learning disabilities instructor. In 2015, she established the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi honor society at D&E to recognize students with disabilities for their academic achievements.

Q: You have explained that you’re easing into retirement. What does that mean? A: “Easing into retirement has to do with slowly disconnecting myself from the place, the students and the job that I have dedicated a large portion of my life to for 21 years. I don’t think I could abruptly walk away from what I love to do; whether it be teaching or encouraging or helping a student find themselves and believe in their capabilities. Honestly, I believe my life here at D&E has been a calling or a vocation if you want to call it that. Several years ago, I had a parent say those same words to me and the other day President Wood made a similar comment. So, when I say I am easing into retirement, it’s about letting go, reflecting and preparing to change the direction on my new life’s path.” Q: Your students often say you make them feel confident and happy. What makes you feel confident and happy? A: “I feel a sense of accomplishment that I have completed a chapter in my life and along the way have helped and supported many students and families that have crossed my path. My happiness is determined by where I go, who I meet, what I accomplish and what I grow. I love to travel which I plan on doing, specifically to Australia, where my youngest daughter lives. The rest of my family live closer and I plan on spending time with them, especially my grandson. I get a lot of encouragement and confidence from my husband and I look forward to enjoying our time together. Gardening is a hobby of mine; watching my plants grow and produce flowers and vegetables builds my confidence and happiness. To sum it all up, I feel confident and happy when I can watch everything around me survive, thrive and flourish.”

Professor of History Turner came to D&E in 1985. One year later, he was named the Chair of the Department of History, Political Science and Sociology. For 10 years, Turner held the Thomas Richard Ross Endowed Chair in History & the Humanities. He’s been honored with the Sears Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership, and Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence. An author, Turner wrote D&E’s “The Centennial History,” and his work has been published in the journal “Middle East International and Michigan Historical Review,” and newspapers in North Carolina and West Virginia. Q: You have a long tenure of teaching history. What mark would you like to leave on the history of Davis & Elkins College? A: “I hope I have improved upon the already distinguished history department and made the College a more appealing place for a future generation of students.” Q: Students have often remarked on your singing and how it makes class interesting. What are some of your favorite songs? A: “‘Tippecanoe and Tyler Too’ was one I used to sing when I thought class was dragging. It’s a campaign song that explains some of the context of the information in class. A couple others are ‘Who Shall Rule this American Nation’ and ‘Get on the Raft with Taft.’ They all were a way of pointing out what I was saying. If the students remembered these, then I must have been on the right track.”