Dr. Frédéric Belle Torimiro
Faculty Advisor & Associate Professor of Political Science

Over the years, the now defunct Division of History and Political Science cultivated a climate enhanced by collegiality and professionalism. The friendly atmosphere was no doubt improved significantly by the addition of Elaine Carter as the Office Manager. This Franklin County native who is married to David Carter and the mother of four children (one of them a Ferrum graduate and two who are current students) brought to the Division a down to earth personality that only complemented her intelligence and extremely strong work ethic. Elaine is a Ferrum College graduate, with a B.A.

 
degree in English, who has always maintained a close tie to the institution. Hired by Dr. Michael Trochim, a former Chair of the Division, in January of 1990 to work in an academic unit often described or seen as a "male domain" could have been somewhat uncomfortable for most secretaries thrown into it. To Elaine, however, it seemed to be a composition that invited curiosity, challenges, and periods of fun and laughter. From1990 to 1996, she served with remarkable devotion and steadfastly helped to sustain the vitality of the Division. As Dr. Trochim remarked, "hiring Elaine Carter was the best decision I made in my ten years as division chairman." Undoubtedly, this is a comment that is shared by his colleagues who came to rely on her efficiency, problem-solving skills and tireless energy.

The administrative changes that led to the creation of the secretarial pool compelled Elaine to divide her time between two divisions. Although she was located in the basement of John Wesley and some physical distance from our offices in Bassett Hall, we felt that she was still one of us. Certainly, we were relieved when a reversal of the earlier administrative decision made it possible for Elaine to return to us. She was, nevertheless, returning to a larger division whose members were not located in the same building. Elaine was not intimidated by the additional responsibility. Instead she embarked immediately on ways to effectively run the office and meet the needs of the division members. Professor Wayne Bowman, the current Chair of the now Division of History, Political Science and the Arts, observes that "Elaine is dedicated to the people she supports in the Division of History, Political Science, and the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work reflects a work ethic that is exemplary. She is never satisfied until the job is done right and well."

Even when seek her support at the most inconvenient, Elaine has remained a "good sport." Her kindness, pleasant demeanor and sense of humor have always exuded a certain amount of calmness in the division that maintains our sanity and allows us to do our job well. Dr Milton Rowan, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the History program, points out that "Without Elaine, the work of the division would not get done. In all of my years here, Elaine has performed her duties with the highest degree of quality and has done them with a smile. I consider her to be an indispensable colleague and friend." Honestly, it is difficult to think of a day or time that you are not welcomed into her office with a smile and a hearty greeting. The friendship and bond she has with the members of this division is truly representative of her selflessness and loyalty to a college that is very much a part of persona.

So when you are on campus, be aware that the mother, wife, friend and soon to be grandmother working behind the desk in her offices in Bassett and Grousbeck is our pride and the anchor of the division. We are indebted and grateful to her even when we do not express those words.