Dean Schooley Retires

When Barbara Schooley, assistant dean of student affairs, retires on February 4, 2006, her departure will mark the end of an era. Schooley’s career at UC began in 1981 when she was hired as a secretary to then assistant dean Robert Fee. In 1988, she became an assistant dean and director of undergraduate advising.

One of her first accomplishments was to re-establish the Undergraduate Advising Council in McMicken College. Relying heavily on the input of faculty members, she formed close relationships with many that have lasted throughout her eighteen-year career in the college. In 1989, she initiated organization of the university- wide Undergraduate Academic Advising Council (UCUAADA).

In addition to her daily responsibilities Schooley served on numerous committees. She worked closely with ROTC, the Athletics Department as certification officer for more than 200 student athletes, M2SE (Minorities in Math, Science, and Engineering), and various academic departments to facilitate placement testing for students from other UC colleges.

But her greatest contributions have been to co-workers and students who have learned to respect and admire her. The following are representative of the many tributes received when her retirement was announced.

Karen Gould, dean: "Barbara Schooley’s talents and dedication are known to literally thousands of McMicken alums. She has been an ambassador of goodwill for the College, a skilled adviser, and a wise administrative leader for nearly three decades. We will miss her terribly, but she will never be far from our thoughts."

Robert C. Fee, sr. assistant dean: "The A&S circus has lost its juggler. Barbara can schedule testing sessions on the computer with one hand, review athletes’ grades for academic progress with the other, all the while convincing the angry father on the telephone that he has her undivided attention. What a tough act to follow."

Undergraduate affairs and advising staff: "Undergraduate affairs and advising is a dynamic environment that requires the ability to adapt constantly to our students’ ever changing needs. The students come and go, staff members come and go, but the one constant in all of this has been Barbara Schooley. For 25 years, she has been a mainstay in the Advising Office. She has been our rock when times get difficult; she has been our shoulder to cry on when things get a bit tough.

When we have a situation that is outside the norm, to whom do we run? Barbara. When we need answers to questions never before posed, whom do we ask? Barbara. When we need someone to test new ideas, to whom do we go? Barbara. When a student won’t listen to any of us, we know the ONE person who will have an impact: Barbara. She says it’s because of her silver hair; we say it’s because she’s got magic powers. Perhaps it’s a combination of both.

We do know that life in 102 McMicken will never be the same after February 4, 2006. There will be an emptiness we will have to learn to deal with. Who will laugh at our silly stories? Who will bring in Baklava? Who will hold everything together as only she can? We have decided that the first thing we will do after she departs is to get our hair colored silver. Will it make us more respected? Probably not. Will it give us special magical powers? Unlikely.

Will it be a constant reminder of a woman who has affected all of our lives in so many positive ways that we will ALWAYS owe her a huge debt of gratitude? Definitely. We are still trying to convince her to stay, but she seems determined to try some new adventures. We love her enough to let her go, but we’re still holding out hope for Baklava every now and then."

Angela Canpigotto, 2001 Communication major: "Dean Schooley, the first one to show me how to help my dad see a future that didn’t involve business school. Praise the Lord for Dean Schooley.

It was the first day of my sophomore year when I wandered into the A&S office, half searching for a new major and half just hiding from calculus.

'Would you like to set up an appointment with Dean Schooley?' I was asked at the front desk.

'Sure, I mean, her name is Schooley. She must know what’s up,' I thought. And boy, did she ever school me that day. Not only did she help me find the perfect major and minor, she also hooked me up with a job in the A&S office.

Now she was stuck with me. Working in the office for more than two years, I tried regularly to stump Dean Schooley with bizarre questions about college, life, outer space, or whatever else came to mind; and I’ll tell you what, it didn’t take long for even me to figure out she knew everything.

I knew I could count on Dean Schooley to help me make any kind of life altering decision while at UC. Was I to take water aerobics again or maybe branch out into intermediate swimming? She always knew what was best, not just for me, but for all of her students, every one of whom she always knew by name.

I am not sure where I would be had I not scheduled that appointment so many years ago. Dean Schooley helped me get on track and helped me stay there. And she has done the same for countless other students.

It’s quite clear that she has always cared about her job, but she cared about her students more, and for that I am eternally grateful. She has given me and so many others more than she will ever know.”

Learn more about the Barbara Schooley Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students.