GU honors faculty and staff retiring this year

Published: June 01, 2022

Greenville University recently honored four faculty members and two staff members retiring this summer. Pictured left to right are retirees GU Chief Academic Officer Brian Hartley, Executive Director of SMART Experience Institutes Mike Aden, Professor of Spanish Brian Reinhard, Managing Editor of Advancement Publications Carla Morris, Professor of History Richard Huston, and Professor of Physics and Engineering Hyung Choi.

Brian Hartley retires in July as professor, dean of faculty, and chief academic officer, having served 29 years– 19 years as a faculty member and 10 years as an administrator.

Ordained in the Free Methodist Church, Hartley served 10 years as a pastor before coming to Greenville.

Hartley served in a variety of roles on campus including theology professor, chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, dean of the chapel, dean of arts and sciences, associate vice president for academic affairs, and chief academic officer.

“I consider Dr. Hartley as one of the Greenville Greats,” says Suzanne Davis, GU president. “At GU, we stand on the shoulders of giants, and Brian is no exception. He has given his all for the institution over the course of his 29-year tenure and his legacy of leadership will never be forgotten. He truly set a high bar for what it means to serve at Greenville University.”

Richard Huston completes 28 years as a faculty member at GU, serving for much of that time as department chair for history and political science, and, most recently, providing additional oversight for the Bastian School of Theology, Philosophy, and Ministry. During his tenure, Huston provided leadership as faculty moderator, and in 2015, received the University’s W. Richard Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award. He also served in various roles on the GU men’s and women’s soccer teams over the years, including head coach of the men’s team, assistant coach for both men’s and women’s soccer, and academic coach for the women’s team.

The son of missionaries, Huston spent nearly all his pre-college years in South America. Over the years, he’s led students on numerous trips to Central America and Israel.

“Whether in the classroom, on the [soccer] pitch or in our faculty assembly meetings, Richard is the consummate pastor,” says Ben Wayman, GU associate professor of theology. “His fundamental concern is for the upbuilding of our community. He cares about Greenville because he cares about the people who make up Greenville and he wants nothing less than our flourishing.”

Brian Reinhard served faithfully as professor of Spanish in the Department of Languages and Culture for 22 years. During his tenure, Reinhard chaired the department and advised other departments as well, particularly on issues related to accreditation.

Reinhard organized and led more than 20 trips abroad for students, including study trips to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica as well as Greenville’s Semester in Nicaragua program.

Over the years, Reinhard served GU athletics as head softball coach, head men's soccer coach, and assistant coach for baseball, men's and women’s basketball, football, men's soccer, and softball programs.

“In his own quiet, gifted, and sincere manner, he exemplified a consistent sacrificial and servant’s mentality in all that he did at the University,” says Doug Faulkner, GU dean of professional studies and assistant women’s basketball coach. “He could always lead effectively [or] play a support role. His unique giftedness was he could play both of those roles extremely well.”

Reinhard was awarded the University’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award during the 2022 Commencement ceremonies.

Hyung Choi, professor of physics and engineering, is retiring after serving nine years at GU. He chaired the physics department, helped design and establish the University’s engineering program, and contributed significantly to the development and delivery of Science and Christianity, a signature course at GU. His entrepreneurial spirit and investment in community have brought vibrancy to the City of Greenville.

At GU, Choi coordinated summer research programs, guided student researchers in the quantum information laboratory, and worked with high school students during science and engineering camps.

“[Hyung Choi’s] efforts in the physics and engineering department have transformed that department,” says Eric Nord, GU biology professor. “When he started, we had no engineering program, we had no quantum information lab. [His] vision and dedication have brought about big changes in physics and engineering and have made the whole science, math area, made Snyder Hall a stronger, more vibrant place.”

Carla Morris, managing editor of advancement publications, is retiring after 11 years with the University. She wrote more than 300 news and feature articles for digital and print publications and managed production of 38 issues of The RECORD, the University’s triannual alumni magazine. She also assisted GU’s fundraising team by crafting stories that connect alumni and donors with students.

“Carla used her gifts in service for her alma mater, which tremendously impacted the health and future of our mission,” says Scott Giffen, GU’s chief development officer. “To this day, she is the best writer I’ve ever worked with professionally. She is able to take concepts, ideas, and phrases and turn them into a beautiful, tight-threaded tapestry of expression. She is a light to work with – with a quick wit, positive attitude, and deep patience. She has been the voice of several GU presidents and, most importantly, the voice of our mission.”

Mike Aden retires after five years serving in a variety of roles including executive director of SMART Experience Institutes. Before coming to GU, Aden worked in the industry as an engineer and product designer. He responded to a call to pastoral ministry, which eventually led him to GU. He served as project manager for the SMART Center, project manager of strategies and operations, and worked with the finance department. Aden also served on the GU engineering board and worked to help the engineering department increase enrollment and retention. He plans to continue to be a part of the board in retirement.

“Mike’s ability to navigate multiple departments and work across many institutional processes has been invaluable for the past five years,” says GU President Suzanne Davis. “During his time here, he’s led the strategic enrollment team, the SMART Experience Institute, LLC, and several financial analysis projects. He will be dearly missed not only for his astute skills and experience but for his impeccable character and commitment to Free Methodist ministry through Christian higher education.”