Page 60 - Academic Report FINAL VERSION WEB

FACULTY IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Varkey Titus
Dr. Varkey Titus, 1945-2018, served as the Dean
of the School of Business from 2008 to 2016.
In Memoriam by Dr. Harry McCallum, Professor of
Accounting.
I worked with and for Dr. Titus until his retire-
ment in 2016. In professional matters I found him
to be open, a good listener, and a worthy “boss.”
On many issues, we agreed but on several issues
we disagreed; he would listen to my point of view
and be respectful. As time progressed and chal-
lenges arose, Dr. Titus often sought my opinion.
The professional relationship developed into a
mutually trusting and respectful one. I can say he
treated me fairly and was supportive of my aca-
demic career.
It didn’t start out this way. I joined the faculty ways ended those conversations with prayers for
of Macon State College in 2001 and worked for
several deans before Dr. Titus. Dr. Titus applied
for the deanship when it opened in 2008 and was
selected to come to the campus for an interview.
In the interview, I was confrontational with him,
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yet he was calm and listened and replied with
a professional, respectful answer. Dr. Titus was
hired as dean of the School of Business and in his
first year I was still challenging many of his ideas
and policies. In my first annual evaluation, I went
in primed for a fiery conversation. To my surprise,
he was fair in the evaluation and said, “Give me
an opportunity to earn your trust and confidence;
that’s all I ask.” My initial impression of him was
wrong—I was the problem.
Over time, Dr. Titus and I developed a person-
al friendship. In conversation, we discovered that
both of us were Christians, and he shared many
of his personal hardships and how his faith had
gotten him through the very hard times. On two
occasions, I faced difficult personal issues and I
went to him for his support, guidance, and wis-
dom. He never failed to find time for me and al-
me and my situation. The very best comment I
could make about him was that he had a strong
Christian faith which strengthened my faith.
On a few occasions, I got to meet his wife Su-
sie and one of his sons, his daughter-in-law, and
grandchildren. Dr. Titus was a strong family man
who constantly spoke so fondly of his wife and
children. Family was second only to God.
After Dr. Titus retired, we continued to keep
in touch. My last conversation with him was af-
ter he and Susie had moved to Atlanta. His voice
was weak but he was still positive, talking about
how nice it was to be close to his son and family.
Not too long after that conversation, I received
the message that he had died. Out of respect and
appreciation for a valued professional colleague/
boss and personal friend, I attended his funeral to
say goodbye. I am a better person for knowing Dr.
Varkey Titus.