Methodist University boasts a rich history of preparing students for a lifetime of meaning and purpose. MU alumni have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, educators, psychiatrists, first responders, social workers, business executives, and much more. Most of all, MU alumni are champions of change – making their community better through intellectual values and ethical principles such as truth, virtue, justice, and love. None of the success would be possible, however, without one key ingredient – LOYALTY.
Methodist University boasts a rich history of preparing students for a lifetime of meaning and purpose. MU alumni have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, educators, psychiatrists, first responders, social workers, business executives, and much more.
Most of all, MU alumni are champions of change – making their community better through intellectual values and ethical principles such as truth, virtue, justice, and love. None of the success would be possible, however, without one key ingredient – LOYALTY.
For nearly 70 years, members of the community – on campus and off – have put their faith in MU, creating a legacy of success for the students who walk onto the beautiful 617-acre campus or enter online programs from wherever they may be. But loyalty is more than conviction; it leads to action.
Loyalty can be displayed in many ways including through time, talent, and treasure. This three-part series highlights some difference makers of MU’s past and present who have devoted themselves to the institution. This edition showcases three shining examples of difference makers who have shown loyalty to Methodist University through “Talent.”
From a long-time MU Board of Trustees member in Dr. Loleta Foster to educator and community pillar Dr. Sid Gautam to a successful mentor in Sara Dickson ’09, it becomes clear that loyalty can come from many different places. All you need is a willingness to utilize your talent to make Methodist University an even greater institution.
As you explore the stories of Foster, Gautum, and Dickson, ask yourself: “How can I be loyal to Methodist University through my talents?” To get started, visit the Loyalty page.
Dr. Loleta Foster: A Longtime Community Member Who Builds Key Relationships
When Dr. Loleta Foster first moved to Fayetteville in 1973, she saw the potential in then-named Methodist College.
“It was this little school on the other side of the city,” Foster recalled. “It seemed like it was out in the middle of nowhere because there were hardly any buildings or restaurants along Ramsey Street. But I saw the promise and wanted to make a difference.”
Foster, a trusted psychologist in the Fayetteville area, moved away in 1979 and returned in 1982 – ready to make a difference. While she has served on a variety of community boards during her time in Fayetteville, she first joined Methodist College’s visitor board in 1991. Ultimately, it led to her appointment on the Board of Trustees in 1993 – a position she proudly served for 30 years. She remains in great service to the University as a Trustee Emeritus.
One of Foster’s most fond memories on the board was her involvement in the unanimous name change of Methodist College to Methodist University in 2006.
“I still remember that meeting to this very day. It started a new history at Methodist University,” she recalled.
As a trustee, Foster spent time on the academic affairs committee and the student affairs committee – overseeing the progress done in both areas over the years.
“I had a chance to work with and be a voice for faculty,” said Foster. “But I’m most proud of the growth of the health sciences programs. We went from not having much to now having Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and the incoming medical school. Also, the significant rise of the PGA Golf Management program.”
On top of her service on the MU Board of Trustees, Foster also established an endowed scholarship and is a financial sponsor of the University’s General Shelton Leadership Camp. All of it is a testament to her loyalty to MU– utilizing her talents as a relationship builder.
“Everything in life is about relationships. My work as a psychologist has encouraged me to try to strengthen communication and team building. If we can continue to get people to work together, we can continue to make a difference at Methodist University.”
Whether you are a student, faculty member, alumna/alumnus, or you see the potential in Methodist University like Foster did, now is the perfect time to become loyal.
“We often don’t realize how sharing our talents can make a difference in people’s lives,” Foster said. “I was able to help and there are so many other opportunities to create change because there are so many needs. MU has taught me that if you give people the opportunity, they can make a difference.”
Dr. Sid Gautam: A Professor, Leader, and Transformative Difference-Maker
Photo credit: Raul R. Rubiera/The Fayetteville Observer
If you take a moment to reflect on the Fayetteville community since the 1960s, it is difficult to find someone with more impact than the late Dr. Sudhaker “Sid” Gautam.
A native of India, Gautam made his way to Fayetteville to begin a career as an economics professor at then Methodist College in 1968. Five years later, Gautam founded the school’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) to assist entrepreneurs in converting their dreams into realities. Under his leadership, the CFE hosted high-profile symposiums and intimate seminars for professionals and students alike – focusing on topics that impact local businesses such as the stock market, forecasting, energy conservation, and major corporations.
In addition to his work at Methodist University, Gautam served on the board of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, founded the organization now known as the Cape Fear River Assembly, and he organized the annual event that has turned into the International Folk Festival in Fayetteville.
When Gautam retired from Methodist University in 2012, he reflected fondly on his time at MU while keeping an eye on the future:
“I still remember 44 years ago when I came to this town with only one suitcase, and Methodist College looked like a corn field. We have really come a long way. It’s such a lovely, wonderful institution. I can’t thank MU enough to give me the opportunity to really plan, promote, and execute everything. I’ll always remember the students, too. How many people are lucky in this world to have that opportunity? The best days of Methodist University are still ahead.”
Gautam’s impact continues throughout Methodist University to this day as more than 70 students have graduated with either a major or minor in Entrepreneurship from MU in the last decade. Through his loyalty and service to MU, he was able to leave an undeniable legacy.
For Gautam’s daughter, Pat Sharma, his unique talent of connecting with each and every person was the ultimate difference maker for MU and the greater Fayetteville community.
“It’s like what Maya Angelou once said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ That’s what it was like for him,” she said. “He just loved being around people and he had this quality that allowed him to talk to teenagers and 80-year-olds at the same time. When I hear from his past students, they would always say that he made them feel good about themselves.”
Gautam’s life is an example of how much someone can accomplish if they are willing to share their talents.
“He was a big believer of people needing to be involved in their community, no matter what you can contribute, big or small,” Sharma said. “He certainly exhibited that in his life through everything he was involved in, and it was important to him.”
Sara Dickson ’09: A Successful Student, Alumna, and Mentor to MU Graduates
Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, Sara Dickson ’09 thought her plan was set. She was going to graduate high school and go on to play college basketball.
“In my senior year, I tore my ACL, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Dickson said. “I didn’t get into the school I thought I was getting into. But then, I learned about Methodist University and the PGA Golf Management program.”
As a multi-sport athlete, Dickson was recruited to the women’s golf team and quickly decided to enroll at MU in 2005. She excelled both in and out of the classroom. As a student-athlete, Dickson helped the program win two NCAA Division III National Championships while being named 2008-09 College Sports Communicators Second Team Academic All-America. She then graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in PGA Golf Management in 2009.
Since graduation, Dickson has found success in the golf industry, holding various club professional positions in Chicago, Florida, and New England while earning seven awards from the Golf Digest and PGA, including most recently the 2021 Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Your State Award for Florida.
Dickson is now the director of golf at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, where she leads the golf department and golf operations.
“Without Methodist University, there’s no way I would have felt comfortable entering the workforce,” Dickson said. “I would have never broadened my horizons if it weren’t for MU. By the time you graduate from the program, you’re ready to be an assistant golf professional.”
In her current role, Dickson has found a way to be loyal to MU by applying her connections within the golf industry. In 2020, while following the Methodist University PGA Golf Management social media, Dickson pinpointed two upcoming graduates who would be a perfect fit at the country club she directs: Nicole Triano ’20 and Zane Brownrigg ’21.
“When I had an opportunity to hire them, I reached out to the program and now they both work here,” she said.
Triano works as an assistant golf professional while Brownrigg was recently promoted to head professional.
“They’re absolute rockstars. They went through the same training and same program I went through, and we have a common bond because of that. Methodist University is a natural place to start because I know the quality of the program,” Dickson added.
Dickson hopes her personal story encourages other members of the MU community to use their talents as an opportunity to show their loyalty and make a difference.
“Keep in touch with Methodist University and follow who’s graduating. If you have a chance to hire alumni, great. You can also reach out and talk to a class in your respective field. There are lots of ways to get involved with current students or alumni.”