Michael Raymond, Ph.D., Professor of English
English Professor Mike Raymond lived to teach
Dr. Michael W. Raymond '68, a Stetson English professor known for his total focus on his students, died April 4, 2007 of complications from diabetes. He was 60. Passionate about teaching, he taught until two days before his death.
"Mike Raymond was a true legend at Stetson University," said President Doug Lee. "He was an impassioned teacher and writer. Students loved him. Faculty respected him. Alumni praised him. He was a dear colleague and friend, and we will miss him."
He earned his doctorate from the University of Florida, and returned to his alma mater to teach in 1972. His genius was in subtly leading his students to discover and develop their own talents. His life wasn't easy, however.
Diagnosed with Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes at age 9, he kept himself physically active, but avoided doctors and denied his problems as long as he could, in an effort to be "normal." Eventually, he had three heart surgeries, laser procedures on his eyes and lost both legs. In 1992, he published The Human Side of Diabetes, which argued that diabetics need permission to be human, to be imperfect, in order to live with more joy and less anxiety.
For Dr. Raymond, that joy most often came from teaching. After losing his legs he taught from a wheelchair, adjusting his style to the new reality. No longer could he jump up on the desk or dart around the room. He joked about "needing to keep rolling," and pointed out wryly that he didn't "have a leg to stand on."
Innovative in his teaching, he sometimes taught writing through joint courses with colleagues in other fields. He conducted writing workshops, helped launch the University Experience course for new students and directed First-Year English for many years. He had represented the faculty on the Annual Fund committee and served as faculty adviser to both The Reporter and Touchstone. He was a longtime participant in Poetry at an Uncouth Hour and had represented the faculty on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was a writing and educational consultant to such firms as Florida Hospital Medical Center, Orlando; Humana Hospital Corp., Louisville; and AT&T, New York. His publications ranged from academic critiques of modern literature to works of fiction and creative nonfiction. He also published articles on the art of teaching.
In 1992 he won the McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching and he received Stetson's Hand Award for Creativity and Research in 2002. He was named Florida Professor of the Year in 1993 and designated an "Exemplary Teacher" in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Education. He held the Nell Carlton Endowed Chair of English for four years, and in 2003, won the Distinguished Service Award from Stetson's National Alumni Association.
"He loved language, he loved ideas, he loved stories, he loved his students, he loved this College and Stetson University, his alma mater," said Dr. Grady Ballenger, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. "We are diminished beyond words by losing him, but I know that he will always be present for many of us. His words, his passion and his courageous example will be part of us and this College forever. What a remarkable teacher, what a remarkable colleague, what a remarkable friend!"
Survivors include his wife of nearly 39 years, Judy Caulfield Raymond, also a '68 graduate; two sons, both Stetson graduates, Eric '97, who lives in San Francisco; and Bryan '01 and his wife, Sarah, who live in DeLand; one granddaughter, Anya, DeLand; and sister Holly Raymond '75 of Orlando.
Memorial gifts may be made to Stetson University in memory of Mike Raymond through the Office of Development, Unit 8286, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32723; or to Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Church, P.O. Box 740292, Orange City, FL 32774.