By CAROL HEARD

BC Communications Specialist

Barbara Snipes, the longtime secretary to the president for all of the Bainbridge College presidents, was honored — and surprised — when a scholarship named for her was announced during the annual meeting of the Bainbridge College Foundation on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

“We had an anonymous donor come forward who wanted to do something very special for someone who is very special to all of us associated with Bainbridge College,” BC President Richard Carvajal told the members of the Foundation.

“(Snipes) has been a friend to all of you for many, many years, and she has served with all four presidents of the college. I am so grateful to the donor who has come forward with the initiation of the Barbara Snipes Scholarship.”

Snipes said she had thought of missing the meeting, but was very surprised when Carvajal made the announcement.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the foundation, but to be honored in that way was outstanding,” Snipes said. “It was a delightful surprise.”

Snipes began working part time in the college’s admissions office in 1982. She was actually a student at the college when a friend told her about the position. Before joining the BC staff, Snipes had worked at The Post-Searchlight and Bates and Associates.

In 1985, she moved to the president’s office, working under founding President Ed Mobley. She has worked under four presidents — Mobley, Cliff Brock, Wilkerson and Carvajal — and two interim presidents — Margaret Smith and Sherman Day.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Snipes said. “All of the presidents have been mentors and good friends to me. They have taught me a lot, and I have had the opportunity to be a part of the formation and implementation of policies and procedures that govern the college.”

Despite the range of personalities that have occupied the president’s office, the easy-going Snipes said she has learned to tackle the tasks at hand, handle the routine of the office and confront whatever comes her way.

“You get to know the leadership style of that person and how they like to deal with situations, and I’ve just tried to step in and support them,” she said.

Her husband, Robert, is semi-retired. They have two children, Leslie Barber of Brinson, and Rob Snipes of Rincon, Ga., and four grandchildren.