The Red Thread

From the Archives: Summer 2014

Written by Kenneth Peacock with Ben Cox

I was raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where going to church was a part of our culture. My parents often quoted Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” One way they “trained” me was to make sure I was in church Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights, so that’s what I did, and I liked it. When I was 12 years old, I made a public profession of my faith, little knowing how much my faith would guide me for the rest of my life. When I think of faith, I think of an invisible thread that guides us in the direction that we should go. I used to have a book of fables, and one particular fable, “The Red Thread,” really stood out to me. As described in this tale, there is an invisible red thread that is tied to us, and to the people and places that we will encounter in our lifetime. The red thread will appear, disappear, then reappear. You never know how long it will be before you see it again, but it always comes back. It’s as if I envision my life as a tapestry, and my faith as the red thread. You can’t see the thread of faith, but it keeps coming back, and manifests itself in ways that can be seen. 

Looking back at my life, I can see how my faith has woven me and made me who I am today. For example, before I ever worked on a university campus, I worked for an accounting firm, Price Waterhouse, in Winston-Salem, and I felt like a fish out of water. I knew that it wasn’t my dream job, so why was I there? Years later, it would all make perfect sense. While working in Winston and attending church there, I met Rosanne, who is now my wife. She sang in the choir and I was the assistant pianist and organist. I’m absolutely passionate about music, and I can remember playing the piano ever since I was old enough to reach the keys. Perhaps it was her love for music, or maybe it was her smile, but she had a way about her and I could almost see that “red thread” wrapped around her finger. My faith led me to her, and I married her in the summer of 1975.  After taking some continuing education courses with my accounting firm, I began to think that teaching might be a better profession for me than what I was doing. That’s when some of my co-workers, and my wife, encouraged me to leave the firm, go back to school, and pursue my dream career in higher education. I enjoyed the people I worked with, and my friends at my local church and country club, but it was time to move forward.

In 1983, I came to Appalachian’s Walker College of Business as an assistant professor. Through the years I worked my way up to Dean of college, and then in 2004, I became Appalachian State’s sixth Chancellor. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come this far, but it has been an incredible journey and an amazing opportunity. My faith brought me thus far. Serving as Chancellor has taught me so much about myself. It’s not the title that’s important, it’s the people… it’s the relationships. I have always valued relationships, and like the red thread, special people that have come into my life have come back again to visit, or they will send me post cards and encouraging letters with pictures of their families. Nothing touches my heart more than to know that I’ve helped make a difference in the lives of others. 

My fondest memories at the college are of the times when the students would show up on our doorstep because they wanted to talk, or just hang out. My wife and I always had our door open to anyone who wanted to converse, eat a meal, or simply throw football. I recall a time not so long ago that two young men knocked on our door. When Rosanne answered they said, “Can the Chancellor come out and play?” Rosanne happily responded with, “I’m sure he’d love to, but he’s not home yet.” When I came home that evening, I threw Frisbee with those gentlemen, and we had the best time. The kids will tell you that I bless them, but I can honestly say that these kids keep me energized and full of hope. They bring so much positivity into my life. 

I think some people may have been surprised that I will be stepping down as Chancellor after only 10 years on the job. To that, I can only say that “I just know it’s time.” My work here is finished, and God has a new door for me to enter. In coming to this conclusion, I think my most pivotal moment was when my two sons, Chris and Brian, sat me down and said, “Dad, when is it our turn?” Those words that my sons spoke to me hit me hard, and not long after that conversation, I had a three hour business trip that gave me lots of time to think about what they said. I thought about the many years that I spent fulfilling my job duties, and though my duties were important, I realized that what matters most is relationships and family. This is where my faith stepped in, and I decided to step down from this demanding leadership position. I have two wonderful sons, and three grandchildren, and my heart’s desire is to spend more time with them. I’m restructuring my life to accommodate that. I really want my grandchildren to know who I am. That’s extremely important to me. I’m not worried about my future, because every day I read my favorite scripture, which is engraved on the back of my nameplate. No one else in my office can see it because it faces only me. Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There are certain stressful aspects of being the Chancellor and dealing with lots of differing opinions that I won’t miss, but I will miss the positive relational aspects of my job. In this regard, I feel very confident that my successor, Sheri Noren Everts, will be a wonderful replacement for me. She is truly an amazing woman. When Appalachian found a new Chancellor, I feel that they found a new friend for me. Both Sheri and her husband, Jay, are fantastic, and I look forward to keeping in touch with both of them. 

My official commitment to ASU will expire in July, at which time Rosanne and I plan on moving back to Winston-Salem. So, we will find ourselves right back where we started, where we already have a church home and lifelong friendships. Funny how that red thread of faith works, becoming apparent in transitional times like this. As I close out this chapter in my life, my advice to the friends that I leave behind is to always be true to yourself, and never compromise your faith. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and never miss an opportunity to show someone that you care. It’s the people that matter.

Kenneth Peacock

Retiring ASU Chancellor