Recent retiree contributing to CCU one stitch at a time
“Coastal was my second home. The people there are like my brothers and sisters,” says Nadine Godwin, who recently retired from the University after a career of 30 years, one month and three days.At her retirement reception on May 20 Godwin presented her handmade Coastal quilt to CCU President David DeCenzo. The quilt was made of T-shirts from University events dating back to before CCU became a university. The shirts used were mostly from Godwin’s personal collection, but also from other contributors on campus. “The quilt is my way of thanking Coastal for all that was done for me,” says Godwin. “It is a collage of memories, both personal and for Coastal.”
Godwin was hired in 1980 after interviewing with the late Col. Bill Baxley. She first worked for 16 years in the President’s Office, formerly the Chancellor’s Office. Godwin worked with Edward Singleton, Fredrick Hicks, Ronald Eaglin and Ronald Ingle.
After working in the President’s Office, Godwin worked in the College of Education where she helped with the PACE program, formerly known as the Critical Needs program, and the MAT program. In the College of Education, she worked closely with Emory Helms, associate professor and coordinator of the MAT program, Patricia Piver, director of clinical experiences and student services, and Austin Hitt, associate professor and MAT program coordinator.
“Nadine Godwin is the epitome of a caring, sharing, loving individual who is known for her kindness and acceptance of others,” says Piver. “She has worked tirelessly to help our students find success and support in the real world. Her devotion to CCU is evident in her work, her love for our students and the many acts of kindness she has shown everyone in the University. She was a once in a lifetime gift to us.”
“She was absolutely one of the most personable people in the office, and she had tremendous rapport with students,” says Hitt. “If students ever had a problem, they knew that they could see Miss Nadine.”
Godwin’s last position at the University was the administrative assistant in the Career Services Center. She worked closely with Tom Woodle, director of the Career Services Center and student employment.
“I have never known a more genuine, hard-working and connected person in a professional situation,” says Woodle. “She is a joy to work with. She is a good-hearted, hard-working Southern lady.”
Also while at the University, Godwin worked with Baxley on the Atlanta Field Study program for business majors. Selected participants in the program studied a particular industry and company, and the students took a trip to Atlanta, Ga., to visit the company they were studying. Students were able to ask questions, and after they came back they were required to present their results. Through the program, Godwin worked with such companies as Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, Delta and others.
“My life at Coastal was a great experience, I would not trade it for the world,” says Godwin. “I have met so many lifelong friends.”
Godwin has been married for 43 years to Mitchell Godwin. Their son Shawn and daughter Ashley are both CCU alumni.
In her free time, Godwin enjoys cooking, quilting, playing the piano, singing and helping others. “My life is about helping others,” she says. “I am very compassionate about people.”
Godwin is also working on a Coastal cookbook. She plans to collect recipes from University faculty and staff.
