The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies recognized four faculty members preparing to retire at the close of the 2026 Spring semester and summer terms, each concluding decades of work that have shaped programs and students and advanced their fields.
Together, their careers span nearly a century of combined experience at 亚色视频. Their work cuts across various fields in sport management, special education, higher education and community college leadership 鈥 but they each share a sustained commitment to students and to the work of education.
Lynn Ridinger, Ph.D., a professor of sport management, has worked at the University since 2000. She has served in several administrative roles, including undergraduate program director, graduate program director and department chair. Dr. Ridinger is a North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) Research Fellow whose research has focused on sport involvement, referee retention and women鈥檚 sports. She was also a recipient of the NASSM Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, she worked as a high school athletic director, teacher and coach at Norfolk Academy. For Dr. Ridinger, the best part of the past 26 years at the University has been getting to know colleagues and students and helping them strive towards their goals.
For Dr. Ridinger, it all comes back to her students.
鈥淢ake sure your students understand that an education is much more than just a degree,鈥 she said.
That perspective is reflected in the work of the other faculty being recognized.
Silvana Watson, Ph.D., a professor of special education, joined the University in 2000. Her research has focused on learning disabilities, language and literacy development in multilingual learners, mathematics and attention-deficit disorders. Over her career, she has secured nearly $5 million in federally funded research and has contributed extensively to national and international scholarship. She also received a Fulbright Scholar Award and served as president of the Council for Learning Disabilities.
鈥淪trive for excellence in your work and connect with colleagues who share a commitment to diligence, integrity and collaboration. At the same time, continue to promote your program so that the College and University fully recognize its importance and support its value,鈥 she said at the March 31 event recognizing Darden College faculty.
The impact of Dennis Gregory, Ed.D., is reflected in the students he has mentored 鈥 many of whom now serve in leadership roles across the country.
Dr. Gregory has served as a faculty member in higher education programs at the University for 26 years and is widely recognized for his expertise in higher education law. Over his career, he has published extensively, secured significant grant funding and mentored numerous doctoral students.
For Dr. Gregory, the role has always come with a responsibility to speak plainly and put students first.
鈥淪ervice to students comes before service to the University or the profession. Make your life and your work an adventure. Love deeply and forever,鈥 Dr. Gregory said.
Across disciplines, his work has extended beyond individual courses or programs by shaping how education is experienced and understood.
Mitch Williams, Ed.D., an associate professor in educational leadership and workforce development, has taught in the community college leadership program since 2008. He chaired more than 70 doctoral dissertations and mentored students who now serve as leaders in community colleges nationwide. His scholarship focuses on community colleges, rural education and institutional collaboration.
鈥淎t a time when higher education is under attack and the value of a college degree is questioned, it is important to remember that our efforts are best reflected in the work our alumni do to improve the lives of people throughout the commonwealth and the nation,鈥 Dr. Williams said. 鈥淔or everyone working in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, it is our duty and our privilege to remind Americans of the power of education to change individual lives, communities and society.鈥
As the academic year comes to a close, so do these notable careers 鈥 but not the work they leave behind. Their influence will continue through the students they鈥檝e taught, the colleagues they鈥檝e worked alongside and the programs they鈥檝e helped build.