Southern Nazarene University Announces Retirement of Five Faculty Members This Year

Dr. Peggy Poteet, a long-time faculty member at Southern Nazarene University, will retire in December after more than four decades of service. She began her career at SNU in 1974, following earlier studies at Northwest Nazarene University, California State College at Los Angeles, and the University of Oklahoma. Her colleagues have praised her for being supportive and encouraging, always willing to listen and advocate for her students. After retirement, Dr. Poteet and her husband plan to relocate to the Kansas City area to be closer to their two grandchildren.

Dr. Hal Cauthron, another retiring faculty member, will leave SNU in May after a career spanning over 25 years. He earned his degrees from Bethany Nazarene College and Vanderbilt University, and previously served at Trevecca Nazarene University, the Nazarene Theological College in South Africa, and the Nazarene Bible College in Swaziland. Colleagues have described him as a wise and inspiring leader, whose deep understanding of Scripture and its application in daily life left a lasting impact on students and faculty alike. He has expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interview new faculty candidates, emphasizing SNU’s commitment to educational excellence.

Dr. Don Dunnington, who will also retire in May, has been a key figure at SNU since 1991, initially serving as vice-president for Academic Affairs before transitioning to full-time teaching in 2006. His academic journey included degrees from Olivet Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Colleagues have noted his sincerity in pursuing truth and his dedication to the Holy God, qualities they say have influenced many. After retirement, Dr. Dunnington looks forward to spending more time with his three sons and their families.

Dr. Larry Mills, who will retire in May, has spent much of his career at Southern Nazarene University, beginning with his undergraduate studies there before earning his master’s and doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. His contributions to the university have been significant, and his retirement marks the end of a long and dedicated service to SNU’s academic community.

Dr. David Reighard, the fifth faculty member retiring in May, has also made a lasting impact at SNU throughout his career. While specific details about his academic background and contributions are not fully provided in the source, his retirement reflects the natural progression of many long-serving educators who have shaped the university’s academic and spiritual life.

The retirement of these five faculty members highlights the ongoing cycle of transition within SNU’s academic community. As experienced educators step down, their legacies continue to influence the university’s mission and values. Their dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service has left a mark on students and colleagues alike, embodying the principles of faith, learning, and leadership central to the Church of the Nazarene’s educational institutions.

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