Barbara Leavitt will have bittersweet emotions on June 30 as she walks one last time through the doors of Allen County Community College.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my 37 years at the college,” Leavitt, the associate dean of institutional improvement, said.
When she enrolled as a student in 1971 the campus census was 500 students. Today, with Iola and Burlingame campuses and online students, the count is 3,100.
Tuition is also remarkably higher. In 1971, tuition was $37.50 a semester; today it averages between $1,300 and $1,400.
Leavitt began working part-time at the college in 1972, while she was still a student.
When she graduated in 1973, she was offered a full-time job as receptionist in student records. Two years later she moved to the business office and began working in financial aid.
Throughout the years her position evolved, but always included financial aid.
She worked as the college’s registrar and financial aid director until 2007, when she was promoted to Associate Dean of Students. In 2009 she became Associate Dean of Institutional Improvement.
Her positions have always allowed her to work one-on-one with students.
“My greatest joy at the college has been helping students get financial aid to further their education, and not once in these 37 years did I ever consider looking for another job.”
During her years at ACCC she was also able to complete her bachelor’s degree at Friends University and a master’s degree at Pittsburg State University.
THE NEXT chapter in Leavitt’s life will include the time she has been craving to spend with her husband, children and grandchildren.
She said her husband Tony, plant manager for Herff Jones Inc., not only supported her decision to retire but also encouraged it so she would have more time for their grandchildren.
The couple have two children: Bobby, who lives in Iola, and Staci Hudlin of Yates Center. The couple have five grandchildren — Jayden, Jacob, Hannah, Megan and Brystal.
Come fall, Leavitt’s grandmotherly genes will kick in full-time when she takes on care duties for infant granddaughter Brystal while Staci teaches at Humboldt Middle School.
Leavitt also plans to pursue interests in crafts and gardening and hopes to become more active in her church, Wesley United Methodist, where she is a member of the bell choir.
Leavitt will be honored at a retirement reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday in the Stadler Conference Room in the Student Center at the college.
