The owl has left the nest: President Treadwell sent off in campus-wide clap-out

As all KSC students know, the college has a long-standing tradition of “clapping-in” each incoming first-year class as they walk through the campus gates and down Appian Way for the first time as students, and later, a “clap-out” when they graduate.

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, however, the community came together for a different kind of clap-out, one to say goodbye to one of their own. Students, faculty and staff lined Appian Way to bid farewell to Keene State College President Melinda Treadwell.

Students shared what the moment meant to them.

“Being able to say one last goodbye to her– especially since I’ve had dinners at her house and I’ve gotten to know her family– it’s just really touching to see her do one last walk through,” said junior Haley Hagler.

Another student, senior Rokeyah Sarah, was among those who embraced Treadwell after the ceremony, thanking her for the positive impact on students’ lives.

“For me, her impact has been huge. She has been really supportive of our international students. She always made us feel included, like we were one of the Owls. I’m going to miss her a lot. I’m really sad that she won’t be there for our graduation,” said Sarah.

Echoing their peers’ sentiment, Nick Newman, a sophomore, and Liam Thorne, a junior, shared their admiration for Treadwell, with Newman saying, “I think if anybody deserved a send-off like that, it was her,” and Thorne adding, “I saw it from afar, but it was a little emotional, to say the least. Definitely going to miss her.”

Students weren’t the only group that expressed how much they’ll miss Treadwell. Before the clap-in, Keene State held a farewell celebration, where faculty, staff and friends shared kind words and stories about her over the years.

MB Lufkin, vice president of enrollment and student engagement, praised Treadwell for dedication and leadership, noting that she guided the college through some of its most challenging times, while still developing and strengthening programs across campus. “Through your visionary leadership, Keene State has become one of the most respected public institutions in our country,” she said.

Multimedia Journalism Chair Julio Del Sesto also spoke at the celebration.

“I think that we are very lucky to have had a president that was already a member of our family, because I don’t think anyone but a family member could have stuck with us through COVID and budget problems,” said Del Sesto, reflecting why so many will miss her presence and leadership.

“Unlike most presidents that sort of come and go, Melinda will always be part of who we are,” he concluded.

Karen Jennings, dean of faculty development, the liberal arts, and curricular innovation, expressed the same admiration for Treadwell’s leadership.

“You love Keene State College and embrace growth and change. We will deeply miss you and I will deeply miss you. You are a president, a friend, a leader, and we wish you the very best in all opportunities ahead,” she said.

Others recalled lighter, more intimate moments they shared with the outgoing president.

Associate Vice President for Community and Belonging Dottie Morris, an old friend and pick-up basketball partner of Treadwell’s, recalled one of her favorite memories.

“[Treadwell] embraces every opportunity to learn, and one of my favorite memories of Melinda is when I gave her a book called ‘Pedagogy of the Press,’ one of my favorite books, and her first response to me after she read it was, ‘Dottie, I hate you,” she said, putting smiles on faces with tears.

The moment captured the relationships Treadwell built during her time at Keene State.

On Tuesday, Treadwell took one of her final walks down Appian Way, surrounded by applause and familiar faces.

“So much love, so many memories, and so many amazing people,” Treadwell said, her voice full of emotion. “I will always love this place and love what our students do. Thank you for the privilege of being here with you – I mean it.”

Treadwell’s resignation from the college is set to take effect on Friday, Oct. 24.