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78-year-old Student Straddles Generation Gap

By Sharrod Patterson
Black College Wire

In the fall of 2004, Charles William Dodd entered his first year of college at Winston-Salem State University. With him he carried his textbooks, a smile, and years of experience -- 75 years, to be exact.

The News Argus Charles Dodd

Dodd was one of the oldest freshmen ever to enroll at WSSU, and he is on track to become one of its oldest graduates. Dodd is now a 78-year-old junior. He is an elementary education major and expects to graduate in spring 2009.

"The shortage of male teachers at the elementary school level is what made me choose this major," he said. "Children should see more male images in school."

Dodd's connection to WSSU began long before he ever thought about attending the university.

Dodd was raised in Steelton, P.A. by his aunt Margaret H. Hunter and uncle William M. Dodd. Hunter attended Slater Normal School in the early 1920's.

"She attended when they still had log cabins," Dodd says jokingly. "My uncle was from nearby Stokes County and him and my aunt met here at WSSU."

Hunter played a special role in her nephew's life.

Razaria Best/The News Argus Dodd as a freshman in 2004

"Her influence was inevitable with her being a teacher, she instilled in me the need to help. When I was in elementary school it was more of a balance of male and female teachers, but now the shortage of male teachers is becoming a problem," Dodd said.

Dodd has been teaching Sunday school since he arrived in Winston-Salem in 2004, which has given him a chance to hone his skills.

"I tell the children to be humble no matter what people may say or do to you, just be humble because it is all because of God," said Dodd.

Dodd said he neither expects nor receives any special treatment from his fellow students or professors.

"I mix and mingle, and I am not looked at as an oddity; everyone is very courteous to me," he said. He does command respect, however, and students always refer to him as "Mr. Dodd."

Ever since his freshman year, he has been striving to become the best student he could be, he said.

"I want to increase my writing skills, just become better at putting my thoughts on paper," Dodd said.

Dodd has picked up a few things while attending WSSU.

"I have learned that the computer is a great innovation and without knowledge of it you will fall behind," he said.

Dodd said that he has also learned a lot about the younger generation from his time around them.

"I have noticed that the students here are very aware of what's going on and have a good grasp on what they want to be."

Sharrod Patterson is managing editor of The News Argus at Winston-Salem State University.

Posted Jan. 27, 2008