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Autry Gives Sound Advice to Education Graduates
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Raz Autry |
“When you get your stubbornness and principles
intermingled it is going to come out stupidly. In the teaching
profession you have to find your way, making your own mistakes,
experience the highs and the lows and find joy in that you have
conquered both.”
That was the advice of Raz Autry, former superintendent
of Hoke County Schools, who delivered the keynote address during the
hooding ceremony for the Campbell University School of Education on
Sunday, May 9, in Scott Concert Hall.
Autry advised the graduates, “There are four things you
will need to do to be successful: be mentally tough, have compassion, an
open mind, and a caring heart. The simple advice I offer you is to
follow your heart.”
“Know your limitations,” Autry added. “No one expects
you to know the answers to all questions. To simply say ‘I don’t know’
when you are confronted with a question which baffles you may show more
strength of character than any answer you could give.”
Autry, whom his brother Jerry describes as “bigger than
life,” is a noted writer who has authored six books. The Dunn, NC,
native is known in educational circles as a distinguished, lifelong
educator who has served as a teacher, coach, principal and
superintendent. Since retirement, Autry keeps busy growing peaches and
writing a weekly column for the local newspaper in Raeford, NC.
The hooding ceremony focused on the 27 students
receiving master’s degrees: 20 recipients of the Master of Education
degree, four receiving a Master of School Administration degree, and
three receiving the Master of Arts degree.
Dr. Karen Nery, dean of the School of Education,
presided at the ceremony and gave the welcome. Nery noted that Dr. Betty
Davenport, professor of Education and coordinator of the
Interdisciplinary Studies program was retiring. Davenport assisted with
the hooding of the candidates.
The invocation was given by associate professor Dr.
Wayne Hatcher and the benediction was given by associate professor Dr.
Ron Kendrick. Special music was presented by senior Kelly Person.
Associate Professor Dr. Phillip Morrow provided instrumental music. The
marshal for the School of Education was Dr. Janet Powell, director of
the Teacher Education program.
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