Idella Glenn '84

It only takes one person to make a difference in someone's life. For many in the Furman community, Dr. Idella Glenn '84 is one of those people. And for Idella, there was Renny Johnson, the high school teacher who introduced her to Furman. Mr. Johnson had several personal connections at Furman and would bring students from Mayo High School in Darlington, SC, to visit campus. Idella was fortunate to be one of those students, and when she eventually chose Furman for her college education Mr. Johnson went even further. He paid her room deposit and helped her navigate the financial aid process that ultimately resulted in a full-ride scholarship for Idella. He was the reason, she says, that it was possible for her to attend Furman. Because he poured into Idella, she was able to experience Furman, to grow and succeed through that experience, and eventually return to her alma mater to pour into others in incredibly meaningful ways.

Mr. Johnson helped Idella navigate the challenge of getting to Furman, but a new challenge awaited her. As a new student, Furman was a culture shock for her. She was not only in a new place, a completely new environment, but she was now part of a very slim minority. Having come from a predominantly Black high school, it was jarring to be one of only seven Black women in her class at Furman. The university had integrated only twelve years earlier, and it was a slow process. There were not yet any Black faculty-two were hired her junior year-and only a handful of staff who looked like her. Seeking solidarity, she made an effort to build relationships to help foster a better sense of community for herself and other minorities. Her efforts as a student to transform an isolated existence at Furman into a meaningful experience likely helped prepare Idella for her second chapter at Furman.

After completing her time at Furman as a computer science and math major, Idella never imagined a career in multicultural affairs, much less at Furman. She was working as a registrar at Spartanburg Technical College and taking classes toward a master's degree at the University of South Carolina when another difference-maker, Dr. Harry Shucker, entered the story. He encouraged her to apply for an opening at Furman in multicultural affairs. She initially declined, thinking she would rather stay behind the scenes than work with students directly. Dr. Shucker persisted and eventually convinced her to say yes, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Her decision to return to Furman led to an 18-year tenure that impacted countless students' lives. Through her roles as Director of Multicultural Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Student Development, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion, she also played the part of support person, listener, and mother figure for many students. Just like when she was a student, she again found purpose in building community and fostering belonging on Furman's campus. Idella says, "I was determined to be for students who I didn't have when I was there." By any measure, she has been successful in that pursuit. In fact, the university has established the Idella Goodson Glenn Outstanding Black Alumni Award to honor Idella's legacy as "a true champion of campus belonging." Just ask anyone who leaned on "Ms. Idella" during their time at Furman, and they will tell you the difference she made in their lives.

Idella continues to make a difference at Furman today. She serves the university on the Black Alumni Council and makes it a priority to give back to Furman philanthropically both to honor her experience and to serve as an example to others. Through her annual gifts, she supports the Joseph Vaughn Scholarship and the Black Alumni Scholarship because of the impact they have on the students who now stand where she once did. For students who aspire to attend Furman but may not have their own Mr. Johnson, there is a community of people like Idella who are committed to creating opportunity and possibility through their gifts. In addition, Idella has created a planned gift for Furman through her estate plans to ensure that her impact on students extends beyond her lifetime. She hopes that her example may encourage others to seek ways to make a difference in whatever way they can. "It's not about the amount," she says, "but that you want to give back." After all, it only takes one person to make a difference.