Hank Ducey
Fifteen years ago, Hank Ducey visited her youngest daughter, Emily, who was then a student at the University of Mississippi. Immediately, the Jackson native was smitten with the idea of working on such a beautiful campus.
“I fell in love with the atmosphere and opportunity,” said Ducey, who will be retiring from her position as administrative assistant to the dean in the School of Engineering Nov. 13. “I had business experience that was useful, but finding a way into the university system was hard.”
Always one to achieve her goals, Ducey accepted a position with Rebel Reserves. Within two weeks of taking the job, she had a full-time position in the Department of Political Science working with Rich Forgette, former chair of the department and now associate provost and professor of political science.
“He restored my faith in education and gave me every opportunity to add value to the department,” she said. “I moved on to the Croft Institute for a year and then the School of Engineering.”
Engineering Dean Dave Puleo said Ducey is a pillar within the school whose presence will be sorely missed.
“When I arrived, I asked Hank to call me ‘Dave,’ but she continued to call me ‘Dean,’” he said. “I (sort of) joked that she didn’t want to use my first name and become more personal because either she didn’t plan to stay or she didn’t expect me to last.”
Humor aside, Puleo said Ducey has been essential in his transition to the university and school – teaching, guiding, nudging and counseling him along the way.
“She also took time to invest in my wife and daughter when they moved to Oxford,” he said. “Collectively, we – the faculty, staff and students of Ole Miss Engineering – are thankful for everything Hank has contributed to the school. By the way, Hank now calls me ‘Dave.’”
Marni Kendricks, assistant dean for academics in the School of Engineering, said Ducey has also been much more than a co-worker to her.
“When this spitfire lady named ‘Hank’ joined the Dean’s Office years ago, I thought to myself, ‘Are we ready for this ambitious, take-charge personality in the School of Engineering?’” Kendricks said. “Fast-forwarding eight years, I’m now wondering, ‘How in the world are we going to manage without her?’ I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact one individual can have on an organization. It’s truly remarkable. And on behalf of many students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff, we say, ‘Thank you, Hank!’”
Raised in the Air Force in over a dozen places, Ducey said that the university feels like living on an airbase.
“The campus life and community were perfect for me,” she said.
Ducey earned a bachelor’s degree in speech therapy from the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, she and her husband, David Ingebretsen, started a business together. The couple had three daughters: Kirsten, Anna and Emily.
“Leaving my work life behind is like reading the next chapter in a good book,” Ducey said. “I am looking forward to every day, but I have no idea what to expect.”
Ducey said she hopes to find time for the natural beauty in the semirural land around Water Valley.
“Fishing might be fun, and definitely camping,” Ducey said. “I hope to be productive, but I will be happy to let go of routine. This chapter will have blank pages I get to write myself.”
Although Ducey said she will miss the cycle of semesters, planning for the coming rollover, and walking through the tree-lined roads and flower beds into Brevard Hall, what she will miss most is dealing with the students.
“It has been a privilege to listen to the stories from students, to share my observations, and watch the years add value to their lives,” she said. “Leaving work is not leaving the university. I look forward to coming back and parking anywhere I like.”