When Donna Downs arrived as an adjunct professor at Taylor University in 1987, she meant to teach one class. Instead, the amount of classes she taught grew, ranging from public speaking to interpersonal and corporate communication. Her time teaching produced a love for Taylor University and the community that made it.
Downs will retire from teaching after Spring 2026. Her retirement concludes a meaningful career of multiple roles at Taylor University, from adjunct to associate teaching, to being vice president of Taylor’s public relations department from 1996 to 2001.
“I’ve been at Taylor more than half of my life,” Downs said. “I’ve grown in faith and wisdom, and I have found great joy and reward in teaching over the years.”
Downs teaches public relations courses, communication major orientation, senior capstone and emotional intelligence. She also is the advisor for the Illium, Taylor’s award-winning yearbook, and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), which organizes the vending opportunity Shop the Loop.
With over 38 years teaching, Downs is the longest-serving professor in the communication department and one of the longest-serving professors at Taylor, according to the records of faculty members. She has walked alongside some very important people in Taylor’s history such as Gene Rupp, Jay Kesler, Rosie Kerlin and LaRita Boren. During her time as a professor and Public Relations (PR) expert she has mentored and encouraged generations of students.
“My best memories are always those with students, ranging from the first Beth Moore Bible study with class of 2006 members, to the time Leah Selk (‘21) first burst into my office, to Shop the Loop, to CMA (College Media Association) trips with yearbook editors,” Downs said. “I will greatly miss this place and the love the students pour out to me.”
Faculty and students at Taylor have expressed admiration for Downs’s loyalty and strong work ethic.
“Donna has served Taylor faithfully and well. Very few faculty care more for their students than Donna Downs,” Jeff Groeling, the department chair and professor of communication, said.
Alexa Twiggs, a senior public relations manager and this year’s Editor in Chief of the Ilium, described Downs as an influential figure who has taught her about wisdom and leadership during her time at Taylor.
Under Downs’ leadership, Twiggs spearheaded a team of students in designing and developing the Illium, and traveled to New York City to speak at and receive awards from yearbook conferences.
“Donna has been a really big advocate for me and my department,” Twiggs said. “I’ve learned so much from her attitude and strong spirit. It’s been sweet getting to know her and having her influence me in impactful ways.”
Wanting a new generation of public relations professionals to teach future students and additional time with family are reasons Downs is retiring this year, she said.
“It’s time for new blood with deeper knowledge of social media strategies and a more keen sense of PR today to step in,” she said. “I would like to spend time with (my parents) and help my family care well for them. And I have three grandkids that could use some more grandma time. They’re growing up too fast.”
As Downs transitions into retirement, she looks forward to serving others in various ways. She currently writes features for Citizen 7, a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis and serves with English Connection, a charity in Grant County helping immigrants learn English. Downs also hopes to continue writing books and poetry.
She encourages future teachers and professors to love their students well and look for their potential.
“Stay in touch with them after they graduate. Be thankful for how they help you learn and grow,” she said.
