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Presidential Departure
by Lainey S. Cronk
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 For
30 years, Eric Anderson has been propounding historical discussion
in Irwin Hall. That’s plenty of time to get thoroughly involved
in campus life, make a lasting impression on countless students,
and build rapport and memories with colleagues. Which is exactly
what Anderson has done. “Anderson has been part of the academic
soul of PUC,” says President Richard Osborn. Anderson has
been the chair of the history department, director of the Honors
Program, presiding officer of Academic Senate and Educator of the
Year—to name a few. “He’s done remarkable things
on our campus,” adds Academic Dean Ileana Douglas.
In spite of his involvement in so many aspects of PUC, Anderson’s
main role has been in the classroom, where his teaching interests
included African American history, the American South, and American
political thought. These interests spilled over into three published
books, plenty of shorter writings and a stint as Fulbright Professor
at Ionian University in Greece.
Midsummer, Anderson received and accepted the offer to become president
of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. With mixed
feelings of pride and regret, Anderson’s colleagues gathered
for a farewell that took place on the deck of the presidential
house. As a glorious sunset lingered over the hills, PUC people
demonstrated their fondness for Anderson—and for a good joke.
The “roasts,” presented by current and past PUC presidents
Richard Osborn and Malcolm Maxwell and by many of Anderson’s
colleagues, took on the form of musical parodies, some apropos
readings, and plenty of jesting about Texas (including the presentation
of a cowboy hat, a rifle with the barrel bent to point back at
the shooter, and a medallion of the state of Texas).
Osborn, who explains that Anderson “served as an invaluable
personal advisor as I transitioned into PUC’s presidency,” calls
Anderson’s appointment “an honor for PUC.” And
though Anderson’s colleagues wish him a successful transition,
it is very clear that he will be immensely missed on campus.
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