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Mugleston plans to head to retirement after 41 years

By Jeff Capen
[email protected]
Staff Writer

Georgia Highlands College will soon be saying goodbye to one of its longest-tenured teachers. Dr. William Mugleston, professor of history, will be stepping down from his 41-year career and enjoying retirement.

Mugleston began teaching history at Northern Essex Community College, a small school in Massachusetts, in 1967. After working at various colleges, Mugleston eventually came to GHC in 1994. "When a good opportunity arose at Georgia Highlands (then Floyd College), it seemed like a natural fit," he says.

Mugleston's first position at Georgia Highlands College was as chair of the social and cultural studies division. He held the post for 11 years before becoming a teacher exclusively. For four months in 2001, Mugleston also held the position of academic vice president.

"I've equally liked all of my positions at GHC," he said. "You see the college from a slightly different viewpoint in each position, but let's just say I always liked what I saw."

During his tenure at GHC, Mugleston has also contributed a chapter to a history textbook entitled "United States of Change," which is a required text in his American history course. His chapter deals with foreigners' views of the United States. Mugleston is also credited as co-author of a biography of a prominent 20th-century journalist. "I came out of the process convinced that writing a book is a difficult but fun process from beginning to end," he said.

With every teacher comes a favorite philosophy. Mugleston says his is to make history "both interesting and relevant to our lives now." He also wishes that students would always come to class prepared, adding that "it's a better learning experience for both student and teacher."

Mugleston says the one thing he'll miss about teaching is his passion for the work he does. "In all my years of administration and teaching, even with the occasional stresses and strains, there was never a morning where I didn't look forward to coming to work. For that I feel blessed."

Mugleston says he plans to teach part-time in retirement.