Dr. Julia Ledford

A FOND FAREWELL: JULIA “DOC” LEDFORD

A familiar face, one who left an indelible mark, left our campus at the end of the Fall 2020 semester. Her distinct smile and enunciated voice that would shout, “Let’s take it from the top” will linger forever in Blandford Hall. In the summer of 1988, Dr. Julia Ledford began teaching for what is now OCTC. No dust settled under this humanities professor’s feet as her love of theatre, the arts, and her view of OCC’s stately oak tree from her office window, helped give birth to OCTC’s Oak Island Theatre. Some 32 years later, the memories and posters from numerous plays and musicals directed by our own Julia “Doc” Ledford line the halls in the Humanities Building.

Her students, as well as many participating faculty and staff, were captivated by her way of engaging the actors and literally transforming and building confidence in those new to the stage. Bonds were formed that live on in the hearts of those who knew her best and had the amazing opportunity to work with this talented woman. Fellow humanities faculty Dr. Connie Ford added, “Julie and I began our full-time work at OCTC together in 1988. I treasure our numerous theater collaborations from

Honk to Whorehouse and many, many others. Her support of my programs has been unwavering and so appreciated.”

It was as if Julie had her own magnetic field that students were pulled toward, and as soon as they engaged in the “Doc” Ledford Experience, they were hooked and remained a loyal group of actors and friends. She had a style and technique all her own, and praise from Julia meant you had truly earned it.

promotion and tenure, the thrill of doing theatre together, and the list goes on and on. As I told her when she told me that she was going to retire, I CELEBRATE her decision to do so, and expect her to take time now, to relax and enjoy life.”

Having met in graduate school, fellow communications faculty and friend, Vicki Boyd, recently commented, “Now, if you think that Julia could be an intimidating professor, let me assure you that it is NOTHING compared to being her fellow student. Needless to say, she left me in the dust. Years later, when I moved to Owensboro, Julia was the only person I knew here. Throughout our friendship, she has always been a kind, supportive, compassionate, generous, wonderfully loving friend. We have seen each other through the rigors of graduate school, the uncertainties of seeking employment, the loss of parents, the challenges of

Vicki also shared a common sentiment, we are all sad that Julie will not be at the college because her wisdom, guidance, and steadfast leadership will be missed and are irreplaceable. Her contributions to OCTC and the community are too lengthy to list.

“She has brought song, dance, drama, comedy, tears, laughter, and much love to us. Thank you, Julie, for all you have done for our college, our students, our community, and for me. You are the very, very best! When/if I ever grow up, I want to be just like you!!” added Vicki.

I had the personal pleasure of working with Dr. Ledford and Dr. Connie Ford on numerous musicals through the years serving as choreographer. Those were some incredible memories of working with awesome casts. I would do some choreography, but Julia could direct, block, and sew costumes all at the same time!

Recently, as Julia and I were reminiscing, I asked the former division chair of Humanities what is the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks about the college? She replied, “I hope that this college never loses its ability to be a dream factory. Because it is that, for certain.” Her most memorable moment? Julia quickly added, “Every time I see a group of students, especially on opening night!” A favorite play or musical? Her reply, “My favorite is always the one we are doing at the moment.” Most memorable accomplishment? “I don’t think of myself as accomplishing anything by myself. I feel like it takes the power of a group to make anything happen,” Julia replied. What about a bucket list for retirement?

“There is no reason to make one when you love what you are doing. The best advice I could give everyone is to do what you love, and love what you are doing,” Julia stated.

Discussing the pandemic and its effect on students and faculty who thrive on face to face interaction, the always creative Julia relayed that she managed to line up some incredible stage actors (unemployed while Broadway remains shuttered) to meet with her classes virtually! Students got the opportunity to ask questions as well as hear the actors’ stories.

Admitting that technology was not her strong suit and that she dearly missed the classroom contact, we discussed the current social climate and the importance of being inclusive. Julia admitted that our theatre program has been but needs to be more inclusive and has some ideas on growing its impact. Her wish it that this outlet remains available for students, faculty, and staff.

On a personal note, I know I speak for the entire OCTC family when I say, Julie, each of us wishes you a happy, healthy, and adventurous future in this next chapter. We thank you for sharing your talents and value you as a friend and colleague!

Theatre doesn’t last. Only in people’s memories and in their hearts. That’s the beauty and sadness of it.

But that’s life. Beauty and sadness. And that is why theatre is life.

Performance posters line the walls of the HUM Building.

“Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.” – Chinese Proverb