Meet the Dotsons: Dedicated to Service

Established in 1880, Southern University has seen a variety of students and faculty members come through its doors over the years so it is not hard to imagine that some have decided to stick around for the long term like Marie and Margarette Dotson. Being the two oldest employees on campus, the Dotsons having been working as custodians for the university for over thirty five years.
In 1982 Margarette Dotson, when Mr. T. R. Smith was the housing director, started working on Southern’s campus as a supervisor in Boley Hall. A year later, in 1983, Marie Dotson came to work as a custodian cleaning the various university apartment complexes. 
Throughout their tenure, the two have worked diligently, both having won the Best Custodian award, Marie in 1996 and Margarette in 1995. Their hard work makes these two ladies stand out, but it is their love and joy of everything Southern related that really makes these two shine. 
Fellow employees, the Assistant Director for Facilities and Maintenance in the Department of Housing, Ernest Bowman, comments that, “They are the oldest and most efficient workers I have…. they are dependable and will go the extra mile to make sure everything is working fine.” Janince McCoy, the Aerial Supervisor, agrees with stating that “…we are a big family…we are here nine hours a day and we get along with each other and we love each other.” 
A birthday party was thrown for the two this past Wednesday, September 18, in Bethune Hall as a way for the faculty and the students to show their appreciation for two long time members of the Southern family. When asked why she loves Southern, Margarette Dotson is quoted as saying, “…I like the nice attitudes from everybody…I love the students and how they are so loveable.”
It is easy to say that the Dotsons are wonderful workers and that Southern University’s students and faculty are grateful to have the Dotsons around.