Barbara Keyes to Retire After 46 Years at Albion

After nearly 46 years working at the college, Albion College psychology professor Dr. Barbara Keyes announced her plans to retire at the end of the spring 2021 semester. After completing her masters and Ph.D at Bowling Green University, Keyes began her teaching career at Albion College in 1975. 

“I came to Albion in 1975. It was that August that I taught my first class,” said Keyes. “When you are a new faculty member, you do not know how long you are going to stay at one place, but I spent my entire career here.”

In addition to being a professor in the psychology department, Keyes has been a member of a number of different departments and committees on Albion’s campus. In 1975, she helped establish the psychology practicum course, which is still in existence today. Keyes was also a member of the committee that worked to form Albion’s student research program, FURSCA.

“In the late 1990s, I was a board member of the group that created FURSCA. At the time, the concept of the FURSCA program was unique,” said Keyes. “The way that FURSCA has continued and thrived is something that I am very proud of.”

Additionally, Keyes was the director of Albion’s health institute from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2016. 

Keyes said that she has enjoyed the time that she has spent working with the students and staff of Albion College. While in retirement, she said she is going to miss interacting with members of the Albion College community. 

“It’s been a joy and a privilege to to work with so many generations of college students. Teaching has been a passion of mine, which has provided my life with direction and purpose,” said Keyes. “The hardest thing about retirement will be that I will miss being able to work with students on a regular basis.”