Campus News

I was saddened to learn that Jack Woodward, Dean of Student Aid Financial Planning, would retire on June 30, 1999. My remorse was not because Jack was leaving too soon or because he had not yet fulfilled the goals and aspirations he set for himself and the College. On the contrary, over his 38 years of service, Jack Woodward has become an example that defines the best that Millsaps has to offer. While his accomplishments and contributions are significant, what defines Jack is one simple word: relationships. And it is the day-to-day relationship and interaction that we will miss. Jack was the rudder that gave us direction; he taught us how to make the most of our interpersonal relationships. Jack talks the talk and walks the walk in everything he does.

An ordained United Methodist minister, Jack came to campus in 1961 on a two-year appointment from the Bishop of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. Over the nearly four decades that followed, Jack served Millsaps in many areas including stints as Director of Religious Life, Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Men, and Kappa Sigma Advisor. In each role, Jack has excelled because he knows the difference between doing a job and doing a job well. Millsaps is Jack’s ministry.

When spending time with Jack, you witness a man who has mastered the art of building relationships. Whether dealing with his family, staff, faculty, students, or alumni, Jack Woodward has long believed that three simple relationships define how we live our lives. Jack shared these points in the 1999 Baccalaureate Address. In brief, Jack stated that how we relate to our God and Creator, our self, and others around us will largely determine the quality and style of life we lead. “It all boils down to how you balance these three sources. It’s really pretty basic,” he says.

Jack’s career has certainly been a testimony to the balance he maintains with these key relationships. Anyone who has had a financial aid question over the last 30 years has encountered Jack’s compassion and care. Those in his Sunday school class, volunteer groups (of which there have been many), professional organizations (Jack was the driving force behind the formation of the Mississippi Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), Kappa Sigma Fraternity (Jack has served as advisor for more than 30 years), and even students from other schools who sought Jack’s wisdom, all benefitted from the balance he maintains in his relationships. Seeking to know his Lord, looking within himself, and valuing those around him – Jack is indeed an example for all of us.

As I said, I’ll miss Jack Woodward. His office was just down the hall from mine. But what I’ll miss most was the loving admonishment he often gave me as he was leaving for the evening,

“Git on home boy, you got those two children and a wife to take care of . . . your work’ll be here tomorrow . . . now git.” Thanks, Jack. I’ll try to remember. After all, relationships are what count.

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