At the end of the 2017-2018 school year, York College will be losing two of its finest. Dr. L. Ray Miller, professor of chemistry, and Beverly McNeese, assistant professor of English, are retiring at the end of this semester. These much loved faculty members have spent decades at York College, touching the lives of their students.

“York College is more than an educational institution, it is a family,” President Steve Eckman said. “Both Dr. Miller and Mrs. McNeese have been integral reasons for the family atmosphere and the feeling of acceptance our students experience. At the same time, their expertise and teaching have helped countless numbers of students excel in their careers and their leadership positions.”

Provost Shane Mountjoy added, “Our students have been blessed for many years by the teaching, personality, and heart of these two fine faculty members. Their influence extends beyond the classroom and we are grateful for the dedication and service to York College given by both Ray Miller and Bev McNeese.”
Ray Miller has been teaching at York College since 1982. He has served on many different committees and worn many hats, including terms as division chair and vice president of academic affairs. He also served behind the scenes of many student activities. For 25 years, Miller managed the backstage area at Songfest; he also assisted the basketball teams by keeping the scorebook at home games for many years. He has dedicated his time and resources for 36 years to his students, the science department, and the college. After retirement, Miller plans to continue to be active on campus.
ray miller

 

bev mcneese
Beverly McNeese has been teaching at York College since 1996. She started as an adjunct professor and continued to add responsibilities, eventually becoming department chair. She has kept the York College chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society active with workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities for publishing. Sigma Tau Delta’s literary magazine Unvarnished Words has been a valuable vehicle for many budding writers to have their work displayed. McNeese has also been a part of developing a domestic study trip program that regularly takes students on the road to view locations of literary and historic significance.