Elaine Kelly retires ‘at the top of her game’

Elaine Kelly, associate professor of accounting, is retiring after 33 years of teaching at Oklahoma Christian University. 

Kelly said she worked in public accounting before staying home for 10 years to raise her children. As her children grew older, Kelly wanted to pursue something new for herself. Her teaching career began as an adjunct at Oklahoma City University.

“And then God just sort of opened up a job here [At Oklahoma Christian]. I came and I interviewed for it. I was sort of surprised that I was being considered. I think most people look at academics as a very difficult career and it is,” Kelly said. “It can be very difficult to teach, but they thought I could do it well or good job and hopefully I have.”

When Kelly arrived at Oklahoma Christian, she was the only female professor in the college. She is the longest serving female professor at Oklahoma Christian. At this year’s graduation, Kelly will lead the faculty procession. 

Kelly reflected on some fond moments during her time at Oklahoma Christian.

“I won the Gaylord award for distinguished teaching. I won that after teaching about six years, and that was a real highlight of my life. I also won our OC leadership award. I was the Faculty Association president,” Kelly said. “I also was the sponsor of students and free enterprise, which is no longer around. During that time we competed in regional competitions and national competitions. I took students to Memphis and Dallas and Houston and Kansas City. We won a lot of awards and that was a real enjoyable time to get to be around students and they enjoyed it. We had a lot of fun. It can be overwhelming to be responsible for students on a trip and so forth, but I really enjoyed that.”

Kelly said she takes pride in the success of her graduated students. 

Kelly said people might think she is crazy for this answer, but her income tax class is one of her favorites to teach.

“I just really like it and a lot of students, not necessarily during the class, but when it’s over, they look back and they say, that is one of my most memorable classes. They really enjoy it. And the reason they enjoy it is because it is so relevant,” Kelly said. “Everybody has to file tax returns, even though you may not be understanding exactly what you’re doing when you file one, everybody has to do taxes. You’re gonna have to pay them the rest of your life. And so for some reason, I just really enjoyed teaching income taxes.”

Kelly also shared about the other classes she enjoys.

“I like my accounting two class because I get to see brand new students that are somewhat lost, somewhat timid, somewhat overwhelmed, and to see them grow is so good. I like to meet all the new students. And then I enjoy my seniors. I’ve had them now for three years and watched them grow and see them start getting internships and jobs, getting married, getting engaged, figuring out what they want to do in life so I like those classes too,” Kelly said. “All of them have their strengths and I guess their weaknesses, but income taxes, which I know is strange, is my favorite.” 

The packing of Kelly’s office has already begun.

“I’ve been here 33 years. I don’t think I’ve lived anywhere for 33 years to be very honest. I’ve lived in one house 18 years and another house 11 years, but this is sort of the longest I’ve lived in a place these 33 years, so it is going to be strange, but yes, I started taking stuff home, so it looks very bare.”

Kelly addressed the bittersweetness of leaving a place after so long. 

“I think all teachers, all people, want to be at the top of their game. You want to be at your best and I think, of course, age starts to play a factor into that. I’ve had some health concerns…I have told people that I have prayed to God, ‘Tell me when it’s time,’ and I wish he’d just come in and say ‘Elaine it’s time,’” Kelly said. “It’s bittersweet, but I also think it’s time. I could teach another couple of years, but then again, I don’t know that that’s best for the students. I want to be at the top of my game. I want to be the best teacher. and I just think there’s a time when we all have to say, let the younger people take over.” 

Kelly said she is hoping to find volunteer work in her next phase of life. She will also continue to care for her family, including her disabled daughter. Kelly will remain an adjunct professor and continue teaching online courses. 

Kelly said she is looking forward to a slower pace of life.

“As I always tell people teaching if you’ve not taught, you have to be ready. I had a class at 12:40 and no matter what, I have to be ready at 12:40. I should be somewhat enthusiastic, and I should be prepared, I should be ready to teach. And so that is something I have done for 33 years, taught 12 hours every semester.” 

Kelly offered advice to someone coming in after her, or to anyone beginning a career in teaching.

“Your first year teaching is pretty overwhelming. They can do it, they just need to stay calm, pray a lot and realize it gets easier. I’ve done other things, but I think the field that gets the easiest is teaching because you get used to it. You get used to the preparation and having those classes. So I would advise the person to stay calm, try not to be overwhelmed, that generally there’s no question you cannot answer.”