January 22, 2015
MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER (1/19/15) - Donna Dooley, dean of the school of education at East Texas Baptist University, announced recently that she would be retiring in June of 2015 after serving the school for 17 years.
Dooley, 67, grew up in north Louisiana where she attended Louisiana Tech University and received a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Science and Doctorate of Education.
Growing up, she knew that she would be a teacher.
"My mother was a kindergarten teacher, three or four of my aunts were teachers, my best friends' parents were teachers... I grew up in a world of teachers," Dooley said.
She began her education career teaching kindergarten and first graders with 10 years being served in north Louisiana, and 11 years teaching in the middle East.
"I had the opportunity to teach over there, in Saudi Arabia," Dooley said, "and I did. There were more than 1,300 students at the school from 55 countries, and they spoke around 60 to 70 languages."
When asked what other languages she could speak, Dooley said there was only one.
"It is English, and even my British friends question that," she said with a laugh.
From the teachers who influenced her life, Dooley said she learned many things.
"I learned hard work and a love of seeing the children succeed."
Between her time in the middle East and ETBU, she served as an international consultant.
"The idea of being able to train others about the educational process was inviting to me," Dooley said. So she came to ETBU.
"ETBU is a unique place. We're in a family atmosphere with a positive environment educating our students, and we are helping to prepare them for careers they will have for the rest of their lives," she said.
In June, when she retires, she will be moving back to Louisiana. Her husband is a college professor there.
"When I first came to ETBU, I was single, and in the last years, got married," Dooley said.
Working at ETBU and living in the Marshall community for Dooley has been an experience she will cherish always.
"When I leave in June, I will miss the people I work with and I will miss the students," she said.
"Partnering with Marshall Independent School District and ETBU, teaching here and being a part of the community of Marshall has been an absolutely marvelous experience," Dooley said.
"I couldn't have asked for anything better," she said.
When asked if she could give anyone advice on what the key factor of succeeding in life was, Dooley said it involves faith.
"Faith is a big part of everything, and it makes a huge difference in whatever you do, and to have the support of your family and friends."
(Story by Marshall News Messenger education reporter Rebecca Holland. Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com)