A Family Affair: Father, Daughter Retire from 小猪视频官网College
For the past six decades, generations of families have etched themselves into the 小猪视频官网College history books鈥攁ttending class, earning degrees, and working at the college.
One father and daughter can now add retirement to their family history at Parkland.
Tawanna Nickens, assistant dean of Adult Education and Workforce Development, will retire from 小猪视频官网in June 2025 after a quarter-century of service. Prior to Parkland, she worked in the Admissions Office as an undergraduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
鈥淭hat early exposure ignited my passion for higher education, which has continued to grow,鈥� Nickens says. 鈥淭his passion led me to pursue a graduate program in student services, along with valuable work at the Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education, where I first discovered the field of adult education.鈥�
In those early years, she wore many hats and traveled often, dividing her time between the Adult Education office in Rantoul and the second floor of the X-wing on the main 小猪视频官网campus.
鈥淭hat era was foundational, not only in terms of professional growth but also in developing lasting relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hroughout my career, I have been fortunate to take on diverse roles, including student advising, GED instructor, and serving as the evening program assistant. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the field and reinforced my dedication to helping others succeed.鈥�
Nickens added: 鈥淲hen 小猪视频官网assumed responsibility for the adult education grant in 2000, it allowed me to further grow and ultimately led me to the role of program administrator. This transition was a pivotal moment in my career, and I鈥檓 incredibly thankful for the guidance and mentorship I received along the way.鈥�
What kept Nickens grounded through the years, she admits, is the incredible people she鈥檚 had the privilege to work with at Parkland, including her father, James Harden.
鈥淭heir dedication, compassion, and humor have made even the most challenging days meaningful,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is something I will always cherish. We celebrated successes together, supported one another through difficult times, and remained committed to the mission of serving our students with excellence.鈥�
Nickens and her father, James, are originally from South Bend, Ind., a city which shaped their values of hard work, integrity, and community. After serving 24 years in the United States Air Force and still feeling motivated to work, he began working in the 小猪视频官网Physical Plant in 1994.
鈥淎lthough we did not work alongside each other, it still was a great blessing to have such an amazing life experience of being father and daughter working and retiring from the same institution,鈥� Harden says. 鈥淚 miss working in such a pleasant, professional environment with a dedicated team.鈥�
Nickens recalls the moment she encouraged her father, who primarily worked the third shift, to apply for the supervisor position when it became available.
鈥淚t felt like the perfect fit鈥攁n opportunity to continue leading with the same discipline and quiet strength he had demonstrated throughout his military service,鈥� she says. 鈥淎lthough we didn't often work side by side, we shared a special bond in knowing we were part of the same 小猪视频官网community. It was a unique and meaningful connection to know our paths, although different in nature, intersected in purpose. Even in passing, a wave in the parking lot or a shared conversation about campus happenings made the experience much richer.鈥�
Harden retired from 小猪视频官网as Physical Plant supervisor in 2009. Continuing the family connection, Nickens鈥� brother, James, is a proud alumnus who served as a Student Ambassador, Vice President of Student Government and a student worker.
鈥淥ur family's ties to this institution run deep, and they鈥檝e helped shape how I view education鈥攏ot just as a job, but as a calling and a community mission.鈥�
As Nickens prepares to close this chapter of her life, she reflects on not just the work, but the moments in between鈥攃onversations between classes, the laughter during team meetings, the satisfaction of watching a student achieve something they once thought impossible.
鈥淭hese are the memories I鈥檒l carry with me,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hese are the moments that made the journey so worthwhile. Though I鈥檒l miss being a part of the daily rhythm of 小猪视频官网life, I leave with a full heart and deep gratitude.鈥�
鈥揘oah Nelson, Communications Specialist