🤫Shhhhhhh......🤫

We'd like to surprise her with messages from as many of the people she has influenced over the last several decades.

We need you!🫵

👉If you are able, please take a moment to share a quick note, photo, or recording to show your appreciation for the one-and-only Jane Smith. At her retirement this spring, we'll surprise her with all the messages at once!👈

🙏Please take a moment of your time to celebrate! Here are some ideas to get you started.

You could:

📷Share a fun or meaningful photo

💭Reminisce about a memory

🥳Write some words of celebration or encouragement

🎙️Record an honoring video or audio note

🎨Be creative!

Just use the ➕ button at the bottom of the page to begin.

Thank you for helping me through my four year at BJU!! Congratulations on your retirement!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you have done to help me in my teaching career. You were a voice of compassion, truth, and fun in the midst of all the chaos. I would not be who I am today without you. You are an amazing person and teacher. I hope you enjoy retirement!!

We want to wish you a very happy retirement! It is so well deserved! However, BJU will not be the same without you! You always had a smile and were so encouraging to Vann and me. Sometimes, you were the encouragement that we needed and you didn't even know it. I enjoyed the class I took from you. You made it fun! Congratulations and God's blessings as you begin your next chapter!

Found a pic with some fellow music ed-ians… Sarah O’Brien, Melody Parrot (Yowell) and Meredith Rogers (Jenkins). Good times. Better times, thanks to you!!

Happy Retirement… much deserved!!

Your energy for Christian Education and love of life and ministry is simply infectious! Who can't be moved by the love you share with hundreds of kids, students, parents, and fellow educators! Thank you for making Eternity Matter More with every part of your being. We are all indebted to you for your life-long investment in us...We will miss you so much!

You have impacted so many budding teachers for good! Without your encouragement, I'm not sure I would be in the career that I LOVE! Your graciousness and encouragement to both my husband, Phil, and me are rare. We're forever grateful for your enthusiasm and wisdom. I count myself blessed to have partaken of a very small part of your influence. Happy Retirement!!!

Thank you for your faithfulness and encouraging spirit! Your excellent instruction as my Driver's Education teacher has helped me survive and be courageous now that I'm driving in Perú! May God continue to use you!

Thank you for going ALL out in everything-whether it's expressing excitement to see your students, getting us to participate in icebreakers, fiercely advocating for us in our student-teaching experiences, making us laugh at faculty staff basketball game, or judging the Alpha talent show. You are a blessing and we can't help but miss you! Praying God continues to bless every part of your life!

I have so many fond memories of you throughout my BJA days! You left an impact on my life in so many small but meaningful ways. You were always caring and just put passion into everything you did. Throughout college and beyond you would stop and chat. You were supportive when my brother, Jimmy, died. I am sure he would also have wonderful memories and thoughts to share on how you touched his life during his time at BJA. Although I didn't have you in class in college, you impacted me to be passionate in all I do in my classroom. As a special education teacher in NC and full time caregiver for a young man with autism now, I get to impact lives in the same way! Thanks for being a part of my life and giving so much to everyone you came in contact with. Happy retirement!!!

I just wanted to say how thankful I am that you are part of the team of people who had influence on my life. I received my English Education degree in 2006, but only after enjoying your smiling face in that final semester of student teaching. I am so grateful for your encouragement all along the way. I seek to be an inspiration to those who come across my path now just like you have been for hundreds of education students through the years. After teaching for almost 10 years in Christian schools in Georgia and Virginia, the Lord sent me to minister in England for almost 9 years. And now I am making the transition to Italy to serve the Lord there. Soon I will enter the classroom again as a student in language school with the hopes of someone with as much love of life and learning as you to aid me in my educational journey! God bless you for your faithfulness all these years! Feel free to enjoy some retirement in Italy! I would love to show you around!

It has been such a gift to work alongside you for more than 30 years in education. Your passion for Christian education and your genuine excitement for learning have shaped countless classrooms, teachers, and students in ways that will continue far beyond your years of service at BJA & BJU.

I will always remember how, when I was a new teacher, you would interrupt our classes to express care and to insert a little extra spark into our day. Those moments spoke volumes about your heart for people and your belief that encouragement and enthusiasm for learning are a vital part of education.

Your work with student teachers has created a remarkable ripple effect. Through your wisdom, example, and faithfulness, you have influenced generations of educators who now carry forward what they learned from you. Your impact reaches far wider than any single classroom or school.

Thank you for investing so deeply, teaching so faithfully, and loving so generously. May this next season be filled with joy, rest, and the assurance that your legacy in education will continue to shine for years to come.

Coming into the Academy as a junior in 1995 and having you as my guidance counselor was such a blessing! You made an impact on my life right away. And then just over the years coming in contact at different times always a joy! When you were still teaching drivers Ed and it was time for our oldest to learn, I knew right away, you were the one to teach him and what a great experience it was for him.

I wish you all the best in the days to come. And look forward to seeing what new adventures you have!

Where to begin? I first encountered Jane Smith in 1984 when I began teaching math at BJ Academy. Forty-two years have gone by since those first encounters with Jane Smith. Jane has not changed much over these years that I have known her. At the Academy she would spontaneously interrupt my class with a BJA cheer or just pop into class to make the students laugh. As long as I have known her, she has been an all-out "character"! Her laugh is contagious, and you have to smile when you are around her.

But Jane has a serious side that rarely shows, but the students know that she has a real heart for them and cares about their needs: social, spiritual, and academic. God made Jane Smith a unique person who cares for all aspects of her "kids". 

Jane, thank you for being a friend for over forty years. Enjoy retirement and keep laughing!

Thank you so much for your ministry! I remember you always exuded such Christ-like kindness any interaction I had with you. You are were such an encouragement spiritually and vocationally. I taught elementary for 11 years and are now teaching my own children! Thank you again for your enduring ministry. May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

With you in Him,

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You have been such a joy to watch and to get to know in my few years here at Bob Jones University. Thank you for always being an advocate for your students and for doing your best to accommodate all the requests that we students and faculty throw at you. You will be missed greatly, and I am jealous of the students that you will substitute for in your retirement. I hope they learn as much from you as I have. Praying for you in this new step of your life.

Even though I just came, but I’m still so sad to hear that our resident supervisor was retiring. May God bless you and your family and for all your work!

I asked AI to summarize this page and this is what it said.....

Based on the tributes from colleagues and former students on her retirement celebration page, Jane Smith’s impact spans over four decades of service at Bob Jones Academy (BJA) and Bob Jones University (BJU).

Her legacy is characterized by several key areas of influence:

1. Professional Mentorship in Education

Jane played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless educators through her work in the School of Education.

• Student Teacher Placement: She was known for her meticulous and thoughtful placement of student teachers, often finding the "perfect fit" between students and cooperating teachers to ensure their success.

• Career Advocacy: Many alumni, like Angela Campbell, credit Jane’s encouragement as the primary reason they stayed in the teaching profession.

• Practical Instruction: She even impacted students in unique practical ways, such as serving as a long-time Driver’s Education teacher.

2. Infectious Joy and "Theatrics"

Nearly every tribute mentions Jane's vibrant, high-energy personality.

• Spontaneous Encouragement: Colleagues like Kathy Pilger and Anita Sedivy recalled how Jane would "spontaneously interrupt classes" with cheers or humor to lift the spirits of exhausted students and faculty.

• Bubbly Disposition: She is frequently described as "the one-and-only," possessing a contagious laugh and a "huge smile" that made the campus feel like home for new and struggling students.

3. Spiritual and Personal Investment

Beyond academics, Jane is celebrated for her "heart for people."

• Personal Connection: Former students noted her rare ability to remember them by name years after graduation at professional conferences or campus visits.

• Compassionate Support: She provided a "voice of compassion and truth" during student hardships, such as offering support during family losses or the "chaos" of student teaching.

• Christian Leadership: She is recognized for "making Eternity Matter More" by modeling a life of faithfulness and servant-leadership to both her students and her Lord.

"Your work with student teachers has created a remarkable ripple effect... you have influenced generations of educators who now carry forward what they learned from you." — Anita Sedivy

Thank you for continuing to pursue me even though I was difficult. It has truly been a most amazing experience to be able to work with you in my "last" and best job ever. The experience has been one that will remain for years. Wishing you God's blessings as you enter a new chapter in your life.

I'll never forget Early Field Experiences and "checking out Will" joke! Thank you for always making class fun and enjoyable, and when I'm a teacher I hope I come close to being as fun and energetic as you are. I'd put pictures with my wife and kids but sadly that hasn't happened yet. Have a fantastic retirement!

I really should be calling you Aunt Jane. I have known you since I was a little girl growing up in the Quandrangle of BJA. I have fond memories of seeing you at school counseling with students, traveling on the NY Mission trip(during your birthday), talking with Dad in meetings or even coming to our family birthday parties. I am finishing up my 25th year in teaching and I appreciate more and more your strong testimony at BJA and your love for teens. You inspired me to love kids and try to see them beyond their behaviors. Thank you for loving Jesus and others! I am so happy for you on your retirement! Wish Dad, Mom and I could be there! Miss you!! Hugs!!

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to experience that gift up close. You are the heart of our student teaching program—the one who somehow holds everything together. You juggle countless responsibilities with grace and humor. In the midst of the busyness, you graciously welcome every interruption from students and faculty, offering full attention and care. You keep everyone informed, organized, and encouraged. When things feel uncertain, you are the reassuring voice that it will all work out—and somehow, it always does. Thank you! You will be missed!

Congratulations on your much-deserved retirement! Enjoy!

I remember the first time that I met you in Early Field Experiences 1, and I have never laughed so hard in a class as I did on that first day of class with you. I had so much fun in that class, and I was super excited when I found out that you were going to be my advisor for my sophomore year. Now, I’m only a summer away from student teaching, and I know that without all that you’ve poured into me I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thank you for reminding me to take the heard semesters one day at a time. I have left your office so many times feeling encouraged by your positive outlook on life and your advice as I make decisions for my next steps in college and life. Thank you for always helping me to see the bright side of even the hardest days and for welcoming me with a smile! I’ve loved it when you have popped into one of our Ed. classes before a first day of practicum or just to say hello. I’ll miss seeing you with your smiles and contagious energy around campus in the fall, but I know you’re going to have so much fun whatever you pursue next. Thank you for serving the Lord faithfully by serving so many students!

Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters as I head towards graduation. Your sweet spirit and spunky attitude never fail to bring me joy, and your wisdom and helpfulness are a consistent blessing! I love you, and will miss you so much! Congratulations on your retirement!

You have somehow managed to be a part of nearly every career move in my life, whether you were directing my struggles as a student teacher, secretly engineering my teaching job at BJA, or encouraging (pushing) me into a HS principal position. 😊 Thank you for believing in the shy, quiet guy and always encouraging me to push for more for the sake of the Kingdom. May you find rest and joy in these few years before you come out of retirement to teach for me at BJA.

At that time, I had no idea we would someday be colleagues in the School of Education and Human Services. It has been a joy to work alongside you these past years in helping the next generation enter classrooms of their own. They say "No one is irreplaceable," but I am not so sure about that. There will never be another Jane Smith!