Retirement after thirty years of distinguished service: Honoring Mary Good

Published on Nov 7, 2025

It is both a privilege and an honor to mark the retirement of Mary Good, whose thirty years of dedicated service stand as a testament to unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity. The conclusion of this remarkable chapter is not merely the end of an era, but the commencement of a new journey, enriched by decades of accomplishment and the profound impact that Mary has made on colleagues and the broader community.

Three decades in any profession constitute an extraordinary achievement. Throughout her tenure, Mary has exemplified resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted dedication to her field. Such longevity is distinguished by the ability to navigate significant industry changes, embrace new technologies, and foster the wisdom and insight that only experience can provide.

From the early years, marked by enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn, Mary swiftly established a reputation for reliability and excellence. As her experience grew, so did her influences, she assumed greater responsibilities, mentored emerging talent, and contributed meaningfully to the shaping of organizational culture. Her final decade has seen her become a cornerstone of her profession, sought after for her expertise and valued for her guidance during times of transformation.

As retirement approaches, it is fitting to reflect upon the many achievements and milestones reached during Mary's distinguished career. Tangible successes—such as professional advancements, recognition by peers, and the completion of significant projects—are complemented by the intangible rewards: the trust earned, the respect garnered, and the positive legacy left behind.

• Achievements and Milestones: Mary’s career is defined by a series of noteworthy accomplishments, each underscoring her dedication and capability.
• Growth and Learning: Every year brings new challenges and opportunities, shaping a career characterized by continuous development and adaptability.
• Relationships and Community: The bonds formed with colleagues and the sense of camaraderie are enduring testimonies to the supportive environment Mary helped foster.

The transition to retirement is a multifaceted process, encompassing financial, emotional, and social considerations. Mary’s approach to this next chapter reflects the same careful planning and thoughtfulness that defined her career.

Ensuring financial security in retirement is paramount. Careful investment, prudent saving, and adherence to long-term planning principles will no doubt afford Mary the comfort and flexibility to pursue her interests and aspirations in the years ahead.

While retirement signifies a significant change in routine and identity, it also presents an opportunity for personal growth, the pursuit of passions, and the deepening of familial bonds. Mary’s emotional preparedness is evident in her readiness to embrace this new phase of life with optimism and resilience.

A career of thirty years yields invaluable relationships. It is anticipated that Mary will continue to nurture these connections, whether through volunteer work, community engagement, or ongoing participation in professional networks.

Retirement unfolds in stages, each accompanied by moments of liberation and reflection. The initial period is often marked by relief from daily responsibilities, as well as contemplation regarding future endeavors.

• Leisure Pursuits: Mary has now afforded the time to explore interests and hobbies that once took a back seat to professional obligations.
• Continued Learning: The post-retirement period offers abundant opportunities for acquiring new skills, whether in the arts, technology, or other areas of personal interest.
• Health and Well-being: Prioritizing physical activity and wellness will ensure a fulfilling and vibrant retirement.

While retirement brings notable rewards, it also presents challenges, including adapting to a new routine and seeking avenues for purpose. These challenges, however, are balanced by significant opportunities:

• Redefining Purpose: Without the structure of a professional role, Mary is invited to discover new sources of fulfillment—whether through family, volunteerism, or personal projects.
• Sharing Wisdom: The experience accumulated over thirty years is invaluable. Mary’s mentorship and guidance will continue to inspire and benefit others.
• Strengthening Relationships: Retirement allows for the nurturing of family ties and the cultivation of new friendships.

The conclusion of Mary’s career is defined not only by completed work but by the lasting impact on colleagues, organizational culture, and the wider field. Her legacy is built upon the values she embodied, the standards she established, and the encouragement she provided to others.

Retirement is not merely an ending, but the beginning of a promising new chapter. It is an opportunity for Mary to pursue travel, volunteering, entrepreneurship, or any number of personal aspirations. The possibilities that lay ahead are as diverse as the dreams she holds.

On this occasion, we honor Mary Good’s thirty years of exceptional service. With gratitude and admiration, we celebrate her achievements, her influence, and her unwavering commitment. As Mary embarks upon retirement, may the years ahead be filled with joy, fulfillment, and the continued pursuit of excellence. Her journey stands as an inspiration to all, and her legacy will endure far beyond her professional tenure.

I have been working at Southeast for thirty years and it wasn’t very long, and we became part of Southeast through the new Kentucky Community & Technical College System. Condy and I have been married for fifteen years and hope to share many more. 

Together we have a blended family, I have a daughter her name is Miranda. I have two grandchildren, Makenzie and Carter. Condy has a son, his name is Heath, and I have to say I love him like he’s mine. He is married to Staci, and our third grandchild is Sarah Faith.

Hobbies and blessings, we were blessed 5 years ago with the purchase of our dream 4.5-acre farm. We are learning about the homesteading lifestyle, and we love it. We remodeled or home and yes, it is very “farm-ish." I love to decorate, and I work for that cozy, welcome feel. In the first year we added chickens and in the next year we added Nigerian dwarf goats. I love waking up to roosters crowing. And the sound of the excitement from goats when I get out of my car when I get home from work.

My future after Southeast will be to jump in with both feet on the breeding of a line of chickens called Calico Bantam Cochins that I have the original flock came from Georgia. I have sold fertilized eggs and chicks from this group each spring. Next will be to get more into breeding and selling my goats, and yes, it’s a job to not get attached to those beautiful bouncy kids.  Most importantly I will be enjoying my life with my hubby, Condy. Enjoying my home and farm. It’s been tough working full-time and coming home to another pretty much full-time job. 

The Lord has blessed me in so many ways through my life.  He’s giving me a loving husband, my family each member. To not only working at Southeast but I am also a graduate of Southeast. I have some of the best co-workers, and the Pineville Campus has been my home for 26 of my 30 years. Many friendships made and I am grateful for them.

Today, I have the honor of saying a few words about someone who has made a lasting impact on my life and on Southeast. Mary Good was there when I first started. From day one, she welcomed me, guided me, and taught me so much about how things work around here. But more than just showing me the ropes, Mary showed me how to face challenges without fear. Her confidence and encouragement helped me believe in myself. She’s the one who nudged me to go back to school, to pursue the degrees and certifications I needed to grow in the IT field. Without her support, I might not have taken that leap. Mary believed in me before I believed in myself and that’s something I’ll never forget. But Mary isn’t just a mentor. She’s a great friend. She’s like a sister to me and I’m hoping you will try and enjoy the Italian dressing and Ritz crackers snack combo. Mary, you’ve made Southeast a better place. You’ve made me a better person. I will miss you deeply, but I’m excited for this next chapter in your life. You’ve earned every moment of rest and adventure.

When I found out that Mary was retiring, I started thinking about my first year here at Southeast.  I moved to Middlesboro from Fort Lauderdale, Florida about eight months prior.  I was definitely not from around here, but somehow managed to land the IT Assistant position on the Middlesboro campus.  What I didn't know until my first day on the job were the tragic circumstances surrounding my position, the Middlesboro IT department, and the Middlesboro campus.  Due to those circumstances, it was Mary who spent those first few months away from her campus training me.  Despite the palpable sadness that sometimes hung in the air on campus, she seemed somewhat excited to spend time training me and really helped me to get my bearings.  Her kindness and enthusiasm I think helped to offset my somewhat more serious and rigid military mindset and got me more in-tune with the manner and pace of life here.  As a result, a great many good things have happened since that time, and we have accomplished quite a lot over the years.  I am grateful to Mary for those first few months and for the years since.  I wish her the very best in her next endeavor.  I hope life becomes even more enjoyable and fulfilling.  You definitely deserve it.

As Mary’s retirement approaches, I find myself reflecting on the privilege it has been to get to know and work alongside her. Over the years, her guidance and support have been a source of strength and inspiration for me. Whether it was taking the time to teach me new things, sharing her wisdom, or simply offering a listening ear when I needed it the most, Mary has always been there. Mary, while you will be deeply missed, I couldn’t be happier for you as you step into this exciting new chapter of your life. I know you’ll embrace it wholeheartedly and savor every moment with family and on your farm. Here’s to new adventures, well deserved relaxation, and a cherished friendship that will continue in the years to come.

Mary, we love you and will miss hearing from you on a regular basis. No worries though, you’re a part of the family, you can't get rid of us that easy. You'll get plenty of calls and texts from us updating you on our lives and catching up with how retirement is treating you. It will be so bittersweet, but I am truly happy to see you step into the next stage of your life. Enjoy your family and farm as I know they will enjoy having you more in their lives. I can speak from experience that having you around will brighten their day no matter how it's going. I remember in my interview at the college I was so nervous, but I would glance your way for a moment and felt instant relief that no one else in the room could give me. You are such a special soul and a blessing to this world. You have made an impact on so many coworkers and students’ lives that will continue to spread thanks to your work. You always take care of us on your campus, you feed us and give us tasty homemade goods, and most importantly, you make us laugh and smile just by being yourself. I'll never be able to thank you enough, so I will always thank God for our memories together and putting you in my life, I know he has great plans for you now that I can't wait to hear about. Mary, we will miss you so much and love you even more than we miss you! Have fun and do everything you've wanted to do, you got this! It's gonna be a great new adventure. Stop by any time you miss us!