by Lynn Jones
Dr. Barbara Darby and family held a retirement celebration to recognize and honor her professional career that spanned 45 years of continuous employment. Over 250 guests came together to pay tribute to a woman whose meaningful and impactful work has touched the lives of many, first as a nurse, then as a College educator and administrator.
Friends and family were eager to praise Dr. Darby for her work in the community. Former News Anchor Angela Spears emceed the program and bestowed credence to her success. Attendees were excited for the honoree and her successful career. When she was an undergraduate student at Hunter College in New York, her aspiration was to become a Professor of Nursing. In 1970 her wishes were fulfilled when she embarked on a professional career as a nurse. And,a in May of 1979, after working as a staff nurse in critical care units in hospitals in New York, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, Barbara was hired as an Adjunct Professor of Nursing by Dr. Lois Gibson, Director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at then, Florida Junior College.
Since her 1998 appointment and employment at Florida State College at Jacksonville, the focus of Dr. Darby’s professional career is captured by the vision statement adopted during her tenure, “Changing lives…one student at a time.” Dr. Darby smiled, “I have been blessed by God for 45 years to have had the opportunity to do meaningful and impactful work that has touched the lives of many, first as a nurse, then as a College educator and administrator. As I enter the retirement phase of my life, I do so with great excitement and anticipation for the new adventures God has in store for me and my family. I especially look forward to traveling with my husband to Jazz festivals featuring our favorite Jazz musicians.”
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