May 5, 2023 - Union University celebrated Dr. Stephen Carls upon his retirement from teaching this spring with three recognitions on May 5, 2023. Carls joined Union’s history department as a full-time faculty member in 1983 and has also served as department chair for 33 years.
In a small ceremony outside Carls’s office in the morning, his history department colleagues presented him with a Union University diploma indicating his new status as professor emeritus. The Union University Board of Trustees officially granted him that title at its spring meeting on April 14.
At the End of Year Employee Celebration Luncheon that followed, the university honored Carls twice. President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver first recognized him with an award that included a check for completing 40 years of full-time teaching service to Union. The second award was a retirement clock that Oliver gave him after Dr. Hunter Baker, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, introduced Carls by mentioning highlights from his professional career at Union and beyond.
Dr. Stephen Carls (front right) receives his Union University professor emeritus diploma from Dr. Keith Bates (front left) on May 5, 2023. Other history department members present are (back row, left to right) Drs. David Thomas, Henry Allen, and Terry Lindley.
Dr. Stephen Carls is joined by his wife Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls in displaying on May 5, 2023, the professor emeritus diploma that Union University gave to him this spring.
Dr. Stephen Carls (right) accepts a 40-year service award (1983-2023) from Union University President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at the school's End of Year Employee Celebration Luncheon on May 5, 2023.
Dr. Stephen Carls (right) accepts a clock and congratulations from President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver at the End of Year Employee Celebration Luncheon on May 5, 2023, upon his retirement from teaching at Union University.
Dr. Stephen Carls (second from right) stands with other retiring Union University faculty and staff members after the End of Year Employee Celebration Luncheon on May 5, 2023. The other retirees honored at the luncheon are (left to right) Dr. Randall Bush, Gregory Jordan, Dr. Linn Stranak, Helen Fowler, Dr. Jan Wilms, and Lee Benson.