There have been many people who have contributed to
the success of Volunteer State Community College over the years. But some of
those supporters go above and beyond. That was the case with Virginia “Ginny”
Thigpen. She and her family have given so much to Vol State and in so many
different ways. She passed away earlier this week. People here on campus, and
across the community, paused to remember her life.
“She was just amazing,” said Karen Mitchell. “She
loved education and everything about education. She was one of those rare human
beings who you always loved to be around.”
“I remember when I came to work at the College, Ginny
was so nice to me,” said Betty Gibson. “She made everyone around her feel
special. I got to know her and her husband Walter much better through the
years. They loved Vol State and made many contributions to the College
through their talents and expertise. Even after Ginny’s retirement, she
has continued to support the College through her work with the
Foundation. Walter has been missed greatly and now we will miss Ginny so
much. A lovely lady.”
Where does one start? Ginny was hired by Dr. Hal R.
Ramer in 1972 as an instructor of English. She was a long-time faculty member,
giving 36 years of service to Vol State, as an associate professor of English
and Communication Department chair. She also started the Honors Program at the
College. That dedication didn’t end when she retired from full-time work in
2000. She worked as a part-time adjunct instructor for another eight years. She
continued to be active in the College Foundation, both as a generous donor, a
board trustee and a tireless volunteer.
The people that knew her and loved her understood
that she was involved in the community. But it seems that whenever you thought
you knew her activities, you would find another stack of accomplishments. Ginny
was involved in organizations and efforts across Sumner County. A few years ago
former colleague and state Representative Mike McDonald honored her birthday
with a resolution in the Tennessee Legislature. This covers just some of her
involvement:
“WHEREAS, a dedicated civic leader, Ginny Thigpen has
compiled an impressive record of community service, including being elected in
1978 as Sumner County’s first female County Commissioner, serving on the Sumner
County Election Commission, and standing as President of the Tennessee Women’s
Political Caucus; and WHEREAS, she also served as the President of the Gallatin
Arts Council; the President of the Board of the Cumberland Mental Health
Association; a charter member of the Junior Service League of Gallatin; a
member of the Sumner County Ad Hoc Economic Strategy Committee; a member of the
Health, Education, and Housing Facilities Board, a member of the Community
Chorus, PEO, and Delta Kappa Gamma; a member of the Board of Trustees of the Volunteer
State Community College Foundation; and a member of the board of Sumner Academy;
and WHEREAS, no stranger to awards and accolades, Ginny Thigpen was named as
the 2000 Tennessee Educator of the Year and was honored, along with her late
husband, at the unveiling of the Thigpen Library at Volunteer State Community
College.”

Ginny was married to long-time librarian Walter Thigpen.
He died in 1997. The Thigpen Library, named in his honor, will always be a
testament to their love of the institution. Their portrait hangs in the main
entrance to the first floor. The Thigpens will be watching over students for
many years to come.
“During her many years of service as a member of the
English faculty, Mrs. Thigpen dedicated herself to the college and to the success
of her students,” said Dr. Faulkner. “Even after her retirement from the
college she continued to be an ardent Vol State supporter and benefactor.
She was very active with the Volunteer State Foundation serving as a trustee
and on committees supporting many of the foundation events. It was my
great pleasure to get to know her since arriving at Vol State and I know she
will be greatly missed by us all.”
Ginny was a global traveler. She enjoyed exploring
other cultures and meeting new people. She began that love as a student at the
University of Tennessee Knoxville and traveled to countries across the globe
with her husband and then with friends and family. While her heart and home were
in Sumner County, she was a true citizen of the world.
Do you have a story you would like to share about Ginny? Feel free to post in the comments section here to share with the rest of the campus and community.