If there was one thing Dr. Larry Martin didn’t enjoy about his job with Missouri Southern, it was his vacation plan.

In 38 years he was never able to take a few days off in the spring or fall.

“There are a lot of things that I’d like to see that are best seen in the spring or fall,” said Martin, Southern’s vice president for academic affairs. “I want to be able to enjoy those times.”

Martin will be retiring at the end of the academic school year.

“We are indebted to Dr. Martin for this dedicated service and the many contributions he has made to the advancement of our college,” College President Julio León said in a campus-wide e-mail April 17.

Martin came to work for Southern in 1965 as a math instructor and moved up the administration line as head of mathematics, dean of arts and sciences to where he is now.

“It’s been 38 years with one institution, but I’ve had many different jobs,” Martin said.

His original plan was to continue working until he had 40 years with Southern. Last summer, however, he and his family discussed all the advantages and disadvantages.

He knew it was time.

“I’m looking forward to relaxing,” he said.

Martin was awarded the first Outstanding Teacher Award in 1980. León said in the e-mail that Dr. Betsy Griffin, assistant vice president for academic affairs has agreed to serve as interim vice president until the position is filled.

Teaching students and helping them succeed has helped Martin continue loving a job in education.

“The greatest thing in this line of work is working with students and helping them make wise decisions,” he said.

Martin is excited about possible changes for Southern in the future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the name change and seeing a master’s degree program,” he said.

Martin is not necessarily finished working at Southern. After he spends time relaxing and catching up on life, he’s not dismissing the idea of coming back and teaching math on a part-time basis.

“It’s possible, but it’s not the core of the plan,” he said.

After 38 years of work and dedication with one institution, Martin knows it’s been worth it.

“You can have an impact on my career by going to other places,” he said. “But I can have more of an impact on other people by staying in one place.”