University professors Dr. Charles Elliot and Dr. Charles Embry were both honored this month with the title of “Professor Emeritus.”
Dr. Charles Embry has been with Texas A&M University-Commerce since 1969 and taught numerous political science courses. He not only taught at the New Center for Learning, but was also the director. As well as being the coordinator of the Master of Public Administration Program, he is also a political theory scholar and an expert on political author Eric Voegelin.
Dr. Charles Elliot also received the award. Elliot has been with the university since 1973 and the University’s pre-law advisor for more than 20 years. His constitutional law class has been a cornerstone for his career, as well has his personal favorite.
“It’s an honor for your college to like your work,” Elliot said. With Elliot’s many years in the classroom have come fond memories and experiences with the students.
“The best experience in the classroom is when the light goes on, and you see the little light bulb above the students heads that they’ve come across a new, exciting idea,” Elliot said. “Because that means everybody benefits from that, including the teacher.”
Elliott decided to retire in 2000 so he could run for the Texas Legislature. At the time he retired with a modified serviced contract that allowed him to teach part-time until 70 if he failed to win the election. He did not win and returned to teach only two classes a year until he was 65. Thereafter he taught one a year until retirement.
“Another reason is that I have been teaching for over 40 years, and I am tired – plain and simple,” Elliott said.
Elliott has no official plans for his newfound time, but says he will continue to be politically active.
“I like to garden and will do more of that, and my wife, Paula and I, are raising a grandson. I am an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce where I ‘sing’ in the choir,” Elliot said. “I also work in the Commerce Food Pantry and will continue to do that. I have served on the Commerce Planning and Zoning Commission and I will probably continue working in that area for a while.
“In addition, I read a great deal and retiring from teaching allows me more time to explore subjects in addition to political ones. My favorite reading materials include history, biography, politics, and religion,” he said.