For Faye, teaching was always more than a paycheck.
After graduating from Madison, lifelong educator Faye Pleasants (’66) thought she would teach first grade her entire career. But a supervision course set her on a new trajectory. At her 50th reunion, she discovered a creative way to support future teachers at JMU — without breaking the bank.
Faye Pleasants (’66)
Hometown: Roanoke, VA
Top JMU causes: College of Education, Class of ’66 Scholarship, Madison Vision Fund
The most meaningful way I feel connected to my alma mater: Actively supporting the students and programs at JMU, no matter the amount, makes me feel that I am still an integral part of the JMU family. I am so proud to be a loyal Duke!
“Faye Pleasants (’66) remembers a campus that felt small yet full of possibility. “The entire campus was a postage stamp, mostly Wilson Hall and just a few other buildings,” she said. “I liked that. I really felt I belonged.”
Like many future elementary teachers, Pleasants spent time observing in the classroom. “I remember observing a first-grade class at Anthony Seeger Campus School, and I knew on that very day that I would strive to be the best first-grade teacher I could be.”
After earning her degree, she returned to Roanoke, Virginia, where she taught at Fairview Elementary. “I thought I’d teach first grade for my entire career, and I would’ve been happy with that.” But a supervisor’s course piqued her curiosity. When roll was called on the first day, her instructor called her name and said, “A first-grade teacher taking a supervision course? You must be ambitious.”
Pleasants just smiled. “At that moment, I really didn’t know what to say.”
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“I wasn’t a teacher for the salary. I was driven by a desire to make a real difference in the lives of my students.” — Faye Pleasants (’66) |
Her curiosity — and ambition — led to many leadership roles: reading and gifted resource teacher, elementary assistant principal, instructional supervisor, staff development director and executive for human resources. She retired in 2002 after 36 years of service. Through every role, she remained committed to supporting students and educators.
“I wasn’t a teacher for the salary,” Pleasants said. “I was driven by a desire to make a real difference in the lives of my students.” But like many teachers, she found that early in her career, giving back financially wasn’t feasible. After her Bluestone Reunion, marking 50 years since she graduated from Madison, Pleasants discovered an innovative way to give back to the institution that helped shape her.
‘Going to New York City’
In 2016, Pleasants reconnected with JMU during her Bluestone Reunion. “Coming back to campus felt just like going to New York City; everything had grown so much.” Despite JMU’s growth, she was struck by current students describing the same environment — friendliness, a feeling of fitting in and being inspired by their studies.
Motivated by conversations with fellow alumni and learning about the Class of ’66 Scholarship for the College of Education, she made her first contribution. Since then, she has continued to give annually, supporting the scholarship and other university initiatives.
During the reunion, she met Kathy Sarver, JMU’s director of planned giving, who deepened her understanding of the impact scholarships can have. “She made me want to be a part of that effort,” Pleasants said. “Madison gave me so much — not just an education, but a sense of community, opportunities — it all shaped me. I wanted to ensure future generations have the same chances to succeed.”
Supporting students outside the classroom
After years of giving, Pleasants wanted to do more. She approached JMU’s Office of Planned Giving about endowing a personal scholarship. “Teachers often give more than they receive," she said. “I knew I couldn’t make a huge donation, but I still wanted to help.”
That’s when Sarver introduced her to an unexpected option: donating through her IRA. “You can withdraw from your IRA to make direct charitable donations," Pleasants said. "I don’t know how many people realize this is even an option. It felt like the perfect way for me to make a meaningful contribution without sacrificing my future.”
“With a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), if you're 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to a nonprofit like JMU without it counting as taxable income,” Sarver explained. “It’s a smart way to meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while making a meaningful impact on students and programs you care about.”
With this information, Pleasants began the R. Faye Pleasants (’66) Scholarship Endowment in the College of Education.
“It feels wonderful knowing that I can still support students. This allows me to give significantly while still having the funds I need for myself,” she said. “I may not be in the classroom anymore, but I can still make a difference.”
