During his college years, his friends gave him the nickname “Doc,” and he didn’t think anything about it, but now at The University of Memphis his name stands out and will remain a piece of The University’s heritage in the coming years.
At the end of this month, Donald “Doc” Carson, vice president of Student Affairs, will retire from The U of M after 29 years of service.
“I’d rather leave on my own than wait for someone to ask me, ‘When are you leaving?’” Carson said jokingly. “I am going to miss this university, but it is time for a change.”
Carson’s plans for retirement include traveling and spending more time with loved ones.
“Now, I will have the opportunity to spend more personal time with myself and family time with my grandchildren, including a chance to travel,” he said.
Several events are planned this month to pay tribute to Carson and his contributions to The U of M, the first of which included an opportunity for students to sign a well-wishing card for him at the Unite Picnic earlier this week.
There will also be a reception in Carson’s honor April 24 at the Administration Building Atrium from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and a retiring dinner, “An Evening with Doc,” honoring Carson at The U of M Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom April 25.
The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend this dinner, and tickets are $35 a person and must be purchased by April 18.
Of all the things about The U of M, there is one thing he will miss the most.
“I am going to miss all faculty and staff, but those students are the ones I am going to miss the most,” Carson said. “Just the joy of knowing and working with them has made an impact on my life.”
His relationships over the years with students have made his job easier, Carson added.
“Connecting with students is my job,” he said. “It feels better when I have helped students and their families, which became generations.”
To enable Carson to further benefit U of M students, a scholarship has been established in his name, the Donald Carson Leadership Scholarship.
Carson’s staff and close friends established the scholarship in 2002.
The initial financial commitments came in rapidly with enthusiasm and support for Carson’s involvement.
The scholarship was endowed at the $30,000 level within six months of establishing the scholarship.
A committee headed by the dean of students and made up of staff and friends will award the scholarship representing Carson’s values and beliefs.
Carson has also agreed to be involved in the scholarship selection process when he is available.
It will be awarded to a full-time student who has completed a minimum of 12 hours at The U of M, while maintaining a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA.
The first scholar will hopefully be announced April 25 at “An Evening with Doc.”
Carson said he will spend the first part of his retirement getting some rest, but then it’s back to work.
“I am going to relax and enjoy time at home or traveling,” Carson said. “Then I will either work with my wife or teach.”
Carson said although he will enjoy his retirement time, nothing can replace his time at The U of M.
“I am privileged to have been here this long,” Carson said. “And if I had to do it all over again...I would.”
