Ann Stidham

There are seminal moments in every classroom when the light bulbs flash on – and the sparks of newfound knowledge and discovery are evident. But just as important are those in-between times – in the hallways or in a professor’s office – where a young man or woman interacts with the wise to make discoveries about self.

Ann Stidham specialized in those moments – both as an educator and as a long time counselor at PC. Interacting with people – listening to them and helping them – has been, perhaps, her most important role on campus. It also served her students best, she said.

“I love connecting with people,” she said. “I would have to say that my personal philosophy is to do what little bit I can do to improve the quality of life at any point where I might have that opportunity.”

She began teaching psychology at the College in 1979, and since that time, she has touched the lives of countless students with her infectious enthusiasm, memorable stories, and one-of-a-kind personality.

Stidham earned her doctorate from the University of Tennessee, her masters from Northwestern University, and her bachelors from Muskingum University. Her passion for teaching was quickly noticed by PC students; and during her tenure at PC, she was named Professor of the Year in 1996. She was also awarded the Outstanding Professor in the Southeast award by the Chronicle of Higher Education, the SC Distinguished Professor Award, and held the Charles A. Dana Professorship in Psychology.

Upon her retirement, Stidham was presented with a collection of notes in a purple hat box from former students; these notes offered a glimpse of who Stidham was as a professor, mentor, and friend. She explained that personal relationships with students are “the epitome of what PC is and the epitome of what I try to be.”

Through these personal relationships, Dr. Stidham left lasting impressions on her students. In a note to her, Mary Shaw ’83 expressed, “Your wisdom and compassion made a huge difference in my life.”