Campus wide, Staff News

Staff emeritus designation established

By Jan Joslin | August 6, 2021
Jan Mims, Bill Ward and Ethel Croft represent 101 years of service to Charleston Southern University.
Jan Mims, Bill Ward and Ethel Croft represent 101 years of service to Charleston Southern University. Photo by Sol Photography

Three staff members representing 101 years of service were the first to receive the designation of staff emeritus during a reception in May. 

Ethel Croft, executive assistant emerita, served for 41 years at CSU. Croft was described as resourceful and long suffering. She arrived early and stayed late and was responsible for finding class locations for thousands of classes every semester for years. Dr. Jackie Fish, vice president for academics, said, “You name it; Ethel’s done it.”

Jan Mims ’82, ’99, vice president emerita of finance, served for 29 years. She was a member of the Buc Club Board of Directors and the Board of Visitors. Others said she was a true servant leader and Christ follower, and the Board of Trustees praised her as a model of discretion.

Bill Ward ’90, vice president emeritus of development, served for 31 years. He is a life member of the President’s Club. President Emeritus Jairy Hunter said, “Bill always made a good impression.” During his 31 years at CSU, Ward raised $69 million. Ward thanked his many friends and colleagues, saying, “You were such a joy to work with. You’re the folks who made it possible to spend a career here.”

President Dr. Dondi Costin said, “Thank God for what He has done with these three servants. Only God knows how many lives were changed because of you.”


Related Stories

Interwoven: Williams finding commonalities that unite

Interwoven: Williams finding commonalities that un...

It’s an unlikely story – how a young white man brought the Myrtle Beach Colo...

| READ MORE: Interwoven: Williams finding commonalities that unite
Students standing and sitting at desks circled in a group and talking with each other. How to thrive in college: CSU edition

How to thrive in college: CSU edition

Maybe it is your first semester of college, and you are knee-deep in studying an...

| READ MORE: How to thrive in college: CSU edition