After twenty-nine years with Ashland University, professor Ric Goodwin will be taking his final curtain call as he moves onto his new role of retirement.

Goodwin’s passion for the theatre began back in the first grade. His mother directed high school plays and he always attended plays with her.

“I had always had an interest in the arts,” said Goodwin, “But, I was fascinated by the whole process of how a play was put together.”

During his senior year in high school, Goodwin got hurt and he couldn’t wrestle. So, we decided to go out for the senior class play. Goodwin decided that it was a lot safer and better for his health to be on the stage, thus he made up his mind that this was something he wanted to pursue.

“My mother definitely kindled my love for the theatre,” said Goodwin.

After his years of schooling, Goodwin decided that teaching was a profession where he could give back to the students both inside and outside of the classroom. Goodwin believed that his passion for the theatre could be carried into the classroom every day and that would eventually transcend itself into the discipline.

“It has always been teachers that have nurtured the love of the discipline and I felt that I could do that, “ said Goodwin.

Theatre major, Aaron Arnold, has been working with Goodwin on his final play here at Ashland University. Rehearsals have been filled with fun times and storytelling from Goodwin’s earlier years at Ashland. During his time with Goodwin, Arnold has certainly felt that nurturing feeling with Goodwin as his director in numerous shows.

“He has a fatherly wisdom and he has such great attitude to work with,” said Arnold, “He is very student oriented.”

As Goodwin reflects on his time with Ashland University, he said that he will miss the students and his interactions with them.

“I think in theatre, the bonds we have between students and professors are as strong as any department on campus because of the time spent outside of the classroom during various productions,” said Goodwin.

Over the years, Goodwin enjoyed the fact that having 18-22 year old students in class kept him very young.

“They don’t change, so I never felt myself changing. In my mind, I am still a 30 something year old when I first came to AU,” said Goodwin, “Their enthusiasm and their youth kept me spry.”

Goodwin has always gone the extra mile when helping students prepare for productions and Arnold believes that the theatre department won’t be the same without him.

“Ric has taught students so much through classes and different productions,” said Arnold, “I think everyone likes him, but he is mentor to me.”

Upon retirement, Goodwin and his wife will focus their efforts on putting the finishing touches on their home in Florida. Goodwin also plans to test the waters as he searches for possible adjunct positions at colleges or directing opportunities in community theatres.