Orange & Blue

Dyer Hopes to Fill Void Left by Taylor

Lindsey Cornett

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Features

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Rodney Dyer

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Carson-Newman lost one of its highly regarded and beloved professors over the summer. Dr. Doug Taylor, Director of Academic Support and Career Services, had an untimely death May 11 when he was killed in a car wreck in Mississippi en route to his daughter's graduation from Ole Miss. In the years that he taught at C-N, Dr. Taylor put his heart into assisting students who needed support and guidance, whether it is with academics or finding the right career path.

"He was a fine example of 'Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.' We were lucky to have had Doug Taylor on this faculty" said Ann A. Jones, associate professor of music.

"I suppose all the people at C-N thought they had a special connection to Doug Taylor," said Sharon Teets, professor of education. "He made everyone feel that way. He and I discussed everything from international policies to leaking ceiling tiles. Doug had a way of putting things into perspective," said Teets.

Although Dr. Taylor is no longer here, his legacy will live on not only thorough all of the stories but also through Rodney Dyer, the new Director of Academic Support and Career Services.

Rodney Dyer came to C-N in June from Lincoln Heights Middle School to begin his journey of following in Dr. Taylor's footsteps and it is a journey that he is embracing with open arms. "Dr. Taylor was a beloved professor and the tragedy makes it somewhat awkward following someone who had such a highly regarded reputation and untimely death," Dyer said. "However, I look at this as an opportunity to continue what he was doing."

Although Dyer never knew Doug Taylor personally, he has met Darby, Dr. Taylor's widow. "Darby commented that Doug and I shared a lot of traits and that made me feel comforted," said Dyer.

One connection that Dyer has made between Dr. Taylor and himself was the same desire that they shared for their jobs. "Dr. Taylor has been here for years and he had a heart for assisting students. I know that it existed with him because of the vast numbers of students, faculty, and staff that held him at such a high regard.," said Dyer. " I share that; I have a heart for this job just as he did. It feels good to share common goals with him."

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