30th Anniversary History Book

25 t h A n n i v e r s a r y F o u nd e r s Da y Ho n o r e e s

When Ron Dowdy first became associated with Beacon at the start of the 21st century, we were experiencing the many growing pains of a young and emerging institution of higher education. He soon became a key strategic advisor to our college. With his background as a finance reader for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools who had just retired from his position at another college, Ron was uniquely qualified to prepare Beacon not only for accreditation, but for financial security, too.

In 2002, Ron joined Beacon’s administrative team as our vice president of finance and administration. During his tenure, he established key procedures for our financial practices and financial reporting. He worked tirelessly to guarantee that the college met the essential requirements for accreditation and helped to build an operating surplus. With the college in a strong financial position and student growth continuing, Ron turned his attention to strategic planning. Under his guidance, the college acquired and leased new properties and began planning the construction of Beacon Hall.

Ron Dowdy

Sylvia Neill began her association with Beacon during the college’s earliest days, when her son Blake was one of its students. She would go on to serve the college with incredible dedication, eventually chairing the Board of Trustees for many years. Among the many accomplishments for which Sylvia will be remembered are her innovative fundraising efforts, which helped to stabilize the college’s finances during our most vulnerable early years.

But what should be remembered most is how Sylvia and her fellow “first leaders” laid the foundation of what would come. To begin an institution like Beacon is to overcome countless challenges on a daily basis — from limited financial and human resources to educating others about the untapped potential of students who learn differently.

Sylvia Neill

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