By By MICHELE GERLACH Publisher
Mark and Karen Reynolds met at Jefferson Davis Community College.
They're spent most of their careers there, and next week, they will move together toward retirement. While they won't officially retire until the end of the summer term, they will be honored with a reception at 11 a.m. Thursday in Woodfin Patterson Auditorium, before spring semester ends and many of their colleagues slip away for the summer.
Karen Reynolds, affectionately known as "Coach" to the many athletes with whom she's worked as a coach and as JDCC's athletic director, joined the college in the fall of 1967. Mark Reynolds, "Dr. Reynolds" to his English students, joined the young school in the winter of 1968.
In their 38-or-so years at JDCC, they've seen many changes.
In the early days of the two-year college system, Karen Reynolds taught physical education and activity classes.
She teaches lecture classes in health and wellness these days, and she was the first JDCC instructor to offer an online class.
Neither thought they would retire at JDCC when they came to Brewton in the late 60s.
Both considered other jobs from time to time, but they never found quite the right fit for both of them to move. When they decided to start a family, they also decided to stay.
Karen Reynolds worked summers while her husband took classes toward a doctorate. Later, Mark Reynolds worked summers so his wife could spend time at home with their son.
Though both are retiring, they have plans to remain active.
The former editor of the journal "Teaching English in the Two-Year College" and co-author of "The Profession of English in the 2-Year College," Mark Reynolds also has some writing projects planned, and has been approached about consulting work.
Karen Reynolds is looking forward to more golf and tennis, and will continue to work as the National Junior College Athletic Association women's regional director for another year.
Both have been active at the national level in professional associations and will continue to participate.
Karen Reynolds was quick to point out that the first retirement trip will be to Charlotte, where their son, Dr. Greg Reynolds, is completing a residency in obstetrics.