Today I was reminded of how short life can be, and how in the blink of an eye, life can change.  I received a phone call earlier this afternoon that a woman who was very influential in my life had passed away.

It all started in 1995, I walked into my first broadcasting class and there stood, at the time Professor Leigh Browning.  She was larger than life.  I knew in that moment that this was what I wanted to do,  I wanted to be a broadcaster.

I was not very good at being a college student.  I was 18-years old and away from home for the first time in my life.  I was miserable, I hated living in the dorms, and I went home every chance I got.  I actually hated the college life.  I remember walking into the broadcasting office when the old Fine Arts building was still around and sitting on that tiny dirty brown couch in the lobby telling her I wanted to quit.  I couldn't do this, and in those next few minutes my life changed.

Dr. Browning, wouldn't let me quit.  She flat out told me I couldn't and that she was not going to let me.  She encouraged me and challenged me to become more involved.

That was Dr. Browning.  When she saw potential in you, she pushed you, and she pushed you hard.  She made you see how much potential you had and what you could accomplish.

After that moment, I got more involved and I fell in love with college.  I pushed myself and I followed my dream.

I was one of the thousands students that was blessed to have Dr. Browning as an educator.

I had recently had the privilege of working with Dr. Browning one last time on an upcoming project for the Children's Miracle Network Radiothon coming up on Thursday and Friday.  We were sitting around the conference room table in her department a few weeks ago and she said something during that meeting.  I stopped her and said, "did you really just say that?"  She said, "yes, I did".  You know 20 years later some things never change.

We won't get to finish this project with her but I know that on Friday night when the finale of that project happens she will be with us in spirit.  I am so truly thankful, I had one last opportunity to talk with her.

Thank you Dr. Browning, for helping me to become the professional broadcaster that I am today.  Thank you for encouraging me to always do my best, and thank you for not letting me quit that day, when I sat on that couch in tears.

You will truly be missed.

"Release the hounds!"

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