Long-time ODU College of Health Sciences Advisor Sandy Breeden Retiring

May 03, 2013

(L to R) Shelley Mishoe, Sandra Breeden and Debbie Bauman

After 18 years guiding students from the College of Health Sciences into professional careers, Sandra L. Breeden is retiring from Old Dominion University.

Breeden began her employment with ODU in 1996 and became an advisor for the College of Health Sciences. During her time at the university, Breeden advanced to become director of advising and director of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program - one of ODU's earliest forays into distance learning. She is also the longest-serving advisor to the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center.

Breeden was honored (and roasted) by her colleagues Wednesday during a reception at the Ted Constant Convocation Center's Big Blue Room that followed an awards luncheon for faculty and staff of the College of Health Sciences.

After sharing several stories about her colleagues, Breeden remarked about the length of her stay at ODU, noting several health sciences students who went on to become faculty members.

"I feel so grandmotherly," she said.

Breeden will relocate to Orlando to be closer to extended family.

"I'm going to be in Florida where I will always be in flip-flops or bare feet," she told the crowd.

During the retirement reception, Breeden was presented with a small glass sculpture engraved with a plaque that read: "Sandra Breeden, thank you for 18 dedicated years of ensuring student success in health sciences."

While several colleagues presented a humorous David Letterman-style Top 10 list detailing the "real" reasons for Breeden's departure, College of Health Sciences Dean Shelley Mishoe commented on her dedication.

"Sandy has been an ambassador for living/learning communities and for guiding students into health careers," she said.