Dear Longwood Community,
For more than three decades in leadership roles for Longwood, Tim Pierson has embodied and lived the Lancer spirit so powerfully and durably. With characteristic zeal for the present and sense of the moment, as well as thoughtful deliberation, “Dr. P” has decided that now is the right time for a transition, with the momentum of having helped us all navigate these pandemic years. This summer he’ll retire as Vice President for Student Affairs, and shift to an active new role as a special assistant to me, helping with alumni connections as well as basketball and athletics -- one that will keep him connected with students and campus, but that will be less all-consuming, with more time for family. He and Mindy also look forward to some travel, and finishing their home remodeling here in town.
To use a sports metaphor to celebrate the Lancers’ biggest fan, Tim is a first-ballot Longwood hall-of-famer, across all the Alma Mater’s 183-year history. He is truly one of Longwood’s all-time greats. There will be pomp and ceremony ahead. In particular, I’ve asked Dr. P to serve as our Convocation speaker in September, and look forward to planning events and celebrations to come.
Student Affairs truly carries the torch for so much of what makes Longwood distinctive and special --- our traditions, our clubs and organizations, our vibrant and supportive residential campus life. In consultation with the Board of Visitors, I have asked Moton Museum Executive Director Cameron Patterson ’10 to serve as Interim VP for Student Affairs for the coming academic year. A double Longwood alum and former SGA President in his student days, Cam started his career in Student Affairs here. As head of the Moton Museum he’s become a heralded leader across campus, in our community and statewide. Throughout the steps of his career he has remained active in campus life --- as a mentor, advisor, and in recent years member of the university cabinet.
The leadership of Student Affairs will be in outstanding hands, as Tim makes his transition at the end of June.
Tim has made it his life’s work to help guide young people, and the scope of his impact is immeasurable. I count myself gratefully among the generations of colleagues blessed to experience his wisdom and counsel. And I am very happy for my dear friend, as he looks ahead to this next chapter. He is the Longwood spirit personified --- and we all are lucky that if anything, the sight of Tim stopping to chat with folks on Brock Commons or Wheeler Mall will become even more common next fall in his new role.
Sincerely, and with deep thanks on behalf of us all to Dr. P ----
President Reveley