By: Saziye Gourley-Ozhayta Photo by: Stampede Archive
Retirement does not mean inactivity for Dr. Patricia Magness, a professor of English and humanities at Milligan College for 29 years until retiring last spring. She stays busy but is still “learning what it means to be retired,” she told The Stampede.
“I really miss students and the classroom,” said Magness. “I enjoy the freedom. I’m still learning what it means to be retired…How to schedule my time and when to say yes or no to opportunities.”
She has several writing projects including writing for the Christian Standard, numerous letters of recommendation and helping Milligan alumna Katie Lines with a children’s curriculum called Journey.
She also said she has been enjoying the free time she has to read books of her choosing.
“I have been reading history books and great novels to fill in some questions I still have regarding humanities,” she said. “For the first time in my life I don’t have to worry about doing homework at night!”
While Patricia Magness no longer has to prepare for class each weekday, her husband, Milligan Bible professor Dr. Lee Magness, does.
“I miss working across the hall from Pat, walking her to class, eating lunch with her,” said Lee Magness. “…She still spends a good bit of time on campus, and we live close to campus, so our lives still regularly overlap.”
Lee Magness has added a second desk in his office that his wife can use when she visits campus.
Not only is the pair’s adventure at Milligan continuing, but also they are preparing to backpack trails of Appalachia in Maryland with their grandchildren.
They are also finalizing the details of a tour they are leading in Ireland this summer with Milligan alumni and friends. They are excited to have President Bill Greer and wife Edwina Greer join them on this adventure.
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