Sociology Professor Vickie Holland Taylor is celebrating her 50th year of teaching at Danville Community College (DCC) ahead of her retirement on September 1, 2021. She is the first employee of DCC to reach 50 years of employment.
“I knew at age four that I wanted to be a teacher,” said Professor Taylor. “How privileged I have been to be able to teach here at Danville Community College. On my first pay stub, there was an enclosed note stating that I could retire in the year 2013. At 22 years of age, I thought that was eons away. I can hardly believe how fast the years have passed.”
Although teaching is her passion, Professor Taylor has been deeply involved in the success of her students in many ways across her decades of service to DCC.
“Over the years, I have served as advisor to the Student Government Association which led to my being the first Coordinator of Student Activities from 1976 to 1981,” said Professor Taylor. “In 1988, Dr. Arnold Oliver, the president of DCC at the time, requested I become an advisor to the Upsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. I accepted that challenge and continue to lead Upsilon Phi to this day. I was also introduced to the intramural programs which ultimately led to my overseeing said programs. For this, I was inducted into DCC’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.”
In addition to her service to the students of DCC, Professor Taylor has lent her time and talents to ensuring that she served her colleagues and the college just as enthusiastically.
“I have served on the Chancellor’s Faculty Advisory Committee for 20 years, one of which I served as Chair and many as Vice-chair,” explained Professor Taylor. “Along with this role came serving on the Faculty Steering Committee. I have always considered the DCC faculty and staff to be my family. As such, my service in this capacity has allowed me to be the voice for my peers and to do what is best for them.”
Over the years, Professor Taylor has watched her students and members of DCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter go on to do great things in the community, and in the world.
“Almost anywhere I travel, I see someone I have taught,” said Professor Taylor. “Growing up, my daughter, LeeAnne, would say, “Mom, have you taught everyone?” I can honestly say I have tried!”
After September 1, Professor Taylor hopes to enjoy her retirement spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters.
“I have a lapel pin that says, I touch the future; I teach.” said Professor Taylor. “I believe that. DCC has changed significantly since 1971 and many people I have known have come and gone, but the spirit of DCC offering a high-quality education to our community has not changed. I am proud to have worked at DCC for all these years and I cherish the good memories that I have made. For all of those who have been a part of my life at the college; thank you, you have enriched it.”
Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC's service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the College’s nearly 100 programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.
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