Trey Farley
tlf001@marietta.edu
The media department at Marietta College has undergone many changes over the year, including sixteen different department chairs, six different presidents, and the recent merger with the communications department. However, one thing has remained constant: is department administrative coordinator Joyce Pennington.
Joyce Pennington has been at Marietta College since 1979 and in the media communications department since 1981. Pennington has served the college and its students for 37 years and in doing so has earned the respect of all that have walked through the halls of McKinney Mass Media. Additionally, she has also been recognized this year as an honorary alumna of Marietta College for her motherly care and advice.
“Joyce Pennington is always a bright spot in my day and always takes the time to say hello or ask how my day is going,” junior Rosemary Raths said.
Awards and honors cannot fully display the extent to which Pennington has affected the Marietta community however. In fact, sometimes her reach to students spans generations of families. Such is the case for sophomore Rylie Wahl.
“My mom worked for Joyce back in 1989 when she was here and my dad was part of the news team on campus, and now I work with Joyce so my whole family is connected to her,” Wahl said.
Joyce’s connection with her students extends beyond just working together as she has always made it a point to connect with her students on a personal level.
“Joyce really cares about what’s going on in my life and has a great sense of humor. She also recognizes how to use my strengths, and challenges me to be the best I can be.” Wahl continued.
Joyce Pennington is certainly the maternal figure of not only the communications department but also of the entire college as some students she has worked with have even gone on to be professors here.
Although an honorary degree is a tremendous accomplishment at any institution, it is fair to say that this honor barely begins to show the gratitude that the college and its constituents have for Pennington and her service to them.
