Cancer claims life of cherished former professor
Retired USC Aiken professor, Vicki Collins, passed away yesterday morning around 3 a.m., according to her husband.
Shortly after her retirement last summer, Collins was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of cancer. She continued to battle it up until last night when she passed.
A beloved professor and esteemed member of the English department faculty, the Tennessee native taught at USCA for 30 years. Her expertise was in Appalachian literature, formal writing, proofreading and editing.
She was also a certified ESOL instructor, which allowed her to teach courses specifically geared toward USCA students in the international program.
Dedicated to helping students improve, Collins also coordinated the writing center before Dr. Amanda Warren took over.
Meredith Hawcroft, an alumna of USCA and current Web Coordinator for the university, said that as a freshman, Collins took an interest in her and has continued to mentor her over the last seven years.
“Professor Vicki Collins was the kindest, most caring educator and friend I have ever known,” said Hawcroft in a heartfelt message. “She was a passionate advocate for all students, constantly going the extra mile to help us succeed and recognize our potential.”
Michaela Grooms, another alumna of USCA, wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post that the respected writer and professor “will be truly missed.”
“I loved your classes,” she continued. “Last time I saw you was Spring Commencement 2019 and thankfully [was] able to hug you one last time.”
The USCA Writing Center published a somber post on their Facebook as well, mentioning the impact that Collins had on the university’s students and faculty.
“Vicki Collins was the heart of this great place when she served as director. She touched the lives of many students for the better, and extended to them her love for learning, literature, and language.”
Attached to the post is a link to the poem “Death Is Nothing At All” by Henry Scott Holland, which writing room officials said they included “because she loved poetry, and because sometimes words even fail those of us who love language … “
Dr. Andrew Geyer, chair of the English department, said, “In more than thirty years in higher education, I have never met a more dedicated teacher, a more compassionate colleague, a brighter light.”
“Vicki Collins was one of the very best people it has been my privilege to call a friend.”
Alumnus Andrew Barwick, wrote on Facebook, “Some people really touch your life in a special way, and you were one of those people for me.”
“Everything I know about Tennessee Williams was gifted to me by Professor Collins,” wrote alumna Lauren Ellis, noting that the English professor continued to recommend further reading for her research. “I owe her a lot.”
Debbie Boggs, a development coordinator at USCA, posted photos with Collins, whom she called her friend.
“ … I will miss our friendship, talks and advice! You will be missed so much by me, faculty, staff and students of USC Aiken,” wrote Boggs.
“She was a sweet soul,” commented Eda Galardi Morelli. “I met her years ago playing tennis.”
Collins was a former club-level tennis player, along with being a professor and writer. She published a book in 2016 called “The Silent Appalachian: Wordless Mountaineers in Fiction, Film and Television.”
The USCA Student Affairs page wrote, “It is a sad day for our USC Aiken community as one of our most loved professors has passed.”
The post was shared by Vice Chancellor Ahmed Samaha and in the comments, students and community members shared condolences and expressed their grief at the loss.
USCA Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out the family, friends, colleagues, and students of Professor of English Vicki Collins.”
“She was a beloved professor who always put her students first,” she continued. “The impact she made in the lives [of] numerous Pacers is a lasting tribute to her.”
