On November 1, the Watson College held a reception to honor Joy Childs who retired after a long career, most recently serving as Business Officer of the UNCW Watson College of Education. Colleagues from across campus and several friends and family members including Joy’s children, grandchildren and 96 year-old father joined Watson College faculty and staff at the event.
Joy began her career as a computer programmer in Fort Lee, New Jersey. She joined WCE in 2007 as an administrative associate in the PDS office before moving to the Assessment Office, where she managed the UNCW Integrated Data Management System. She joined the business services team in 2013, and has served as Watson’s Business Officer since 2016.
Joy has provided strong leadership at Watson, where her creativity, dedication, responsiveness and seemingly 24-hour workdays have provided a foundation that supports the work of faculty and staff throughout the College. Joy opened doors for faculty to imagine, build and grow programs and engagement initiatives. And, she calmly guided WCE staff through hurricanes, Covid and frequent changes in policies, procedures and operating systems.
Several colleagues who spoke at the reception thanked Joy for her energy, professionalism, good humor and support, describing her as a “tireless warrior who always found a way to make things work.”
“Joy, thank you for your incredible work ethic,” said Interim Dean Carol McNulty. “You are always driven by the right thing to do; you have been an incredible mentor to the people around you; and you have done it all consistently, with a smile on your face. You are loved and you will be missed.”
“Colleagues and friends like Joy don’t come around very often,” said former WCE Dean Van Dempsey, who worked closely with Joy for eight years. “The work she does and the level of effectiveness at which she does it is recognized not just here at Watson but in UNCW offices across campus and offices across the state.”
Natalie Lucero, who also worked closely with Joy, shared “Joyisms” including her love of Diet Coke, positive response to challenges (“It’s ok, I’ve got this!”), warning signs (“Don’t make me go Jersey!”) and a work ethic so strong it once required then-Dean Dempsey to return to the third floor Dean’s Office to calmly explain, “Joy, even you need to exit the building when the fire alarm goes off!”
“As I look around the room I am full of gratitude,” Joy said as the reception came to a close. “Watson is the best place to work, the most beautiful place to work. You are all very special to me.”
Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS, Joy!
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