FMU Board names facilities in honor of Rae, McDuffie

The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees recognized two retired members of faculty and staff by naming university facilities in their honor. 

The board unanimously voted to name the recently opened Freshwater Ecology Center after Professor Emeritus Dr. John G. Rae III, while the university’s academic computer lab will bear the name of recently retired staff member Teresa McDuffie. 

Both items were approved during the board’s meeting Thursday. 

The Dr. John G. Rae III Freshwater Ecology Center is part of the university’s 146-acre Freshwater Ecology Complex, which opened its doors in January. The Center focuses its research and education efforts on freshwater ecosystems. The Complex also includes a beautiful conference center, located on the shores of a 20-acre spring fed lake.

Francis Marion president Dr. Fred Carter said the honor recognizes Dr. Rae’s substantial contributions to the university and his dedication to educating students over the course of his distinguished career.

“For more than two decades, John taught aquatic biology at Francis Marion, so it is appropriate that this new center bear his name,” said Dr. Carter. “He was a popular and engaging professor and an innovative researcher. He was an exceptional scholar, and his teaching had a compelling impact on the lives of his students. 

Rae earned his B.S. in Biology from Ohio University, his M.S. in Marine Sciences from the University of the Pacific, and his Ph.D. in Zoology from the State University of New York – Stony Brook. He served as the Shirley Malloy Professor of Biology, teaching ecology, aquatics, and invertebrate zoology to thousands of students for more than 25 years at FMU.

John and Susan Rae currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Teresa McDuffie retired this spring after spending 32 years at FMU. Working her way up through the university’s campus technology department, she finished her career as the network systems administrator.

In addition to updating the network infrastructure on campus, McDuffie served as a founding member of the African American Faculty and Staff Coalition.

“Teresa’s contributions to this university are numerous, and she leaves a lasting legacy to this university,” said Carter. “The naming of the university’s main computing lab is an appropriate tribute for recognizing her dedication and commitment to this university and our students.”