We commend Longwood University’s Dr. James Jordan on a long and fruitful career and wish him the best in retirement.

Jordan will retire Jan. 1 after more than 39 years of service, according to a Nov. 21 announcement on the Facebook page of the Longwood Archaeology Field School.

The announcement stated that, “through four decades this wise, gentle, kind man has shaped the lives of untold thousands of students with his keen intellect, characteristic wit and good humor. His legacy at Longwood is that of a giant, and he is an example that his colleagues should aspire to emulate. His accomplishments are many, but none as great as that of a teacher who gently guided his students along the pathway of life with patience, care and love. His work is not yet done, though; he will be pursuing it beyond the classroom.”

According to Longwood Assistant Vice President for Communications Matthew McWilliams, in 2014 Jordan was distinguished with the highest honor the Longwood Board of Visitors could bestow upon a faculty member — the Board of Visitors Distinguished Professorship.

The Facebook post announcing Jordan’s retirement had, as of Thursday, 136 comments, 195 shares and 772 reactions. Comments range from, “It’s hard to imagine Longwood without him,” to “Dr. Jordan has not only touched the hearts and minds of students at Longwood, his charisma has had a profound effect on all who know him.”

Those who have learned from him seem to tell it best. Jordan has been a force for the betterment of Longwood University over the past four decades, and the legacy that he leaves at the school will be long lasting.